Elmendorf partners with local police departments, high school

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Erin Slaughter
  • 3 WG/PA
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A bomb threat to Wasilla High School Jan. 8 created a unique opportunity for Elmendorf to partner with the community. Once the school reported the threat, the Elmendorf AFB was called in to help. 

"This is the first time we've engaged with the military in a bomb-type threat situation," said Angella Long, chief of police, Wasilla, Alaska. 

Elmendorf's K-9 military working dog unit quickly deployed and completed the initial sweep of the facility and surrounding area. After the bomb-detection dogs determined there was a possible issue, Elmendorf's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, as well as the Anchorage Police Department's Bomb Team, were activated. The EOD team, assigned to the 3rd Civil Engineering Squadron, is trained to protect people, facilities, and resources from the damaging effects of unexploded ordnance, hazardous components, and devices. 

While the mission ended with the discovery that no device was present, all teams received valuable training from this real-world event. 

Officials from APD and Elmendorf said the multiple units involved were able to work cohesively while reviewing maps of the building and developing the plan for absolving the threat. 

"This mission ran very smoothly for a no-notice call; it went down textbook. We were able to work with the military very well," said Officer Jonathon Carrel, Anchorage Bomb Team.
"Just having as many experienced minds in the room that have dealt with different situations ... to be able to tackle a certain situation was very valuable." 

Although it was a long day for everyone involved, with the 3rd Security Forces Squadron receiving the initial call from the Anchorage Police Department around 8 a.m. and the threat not being absolved until after 5 p.m., the event ended with an appreciation for all parties, as well as a realization of how valuable additional joint training could be. 

"Overall, working with them was a pretty good experience," said Senior Airman Shawn Briggs, EOD technician. "I mean, we really enjoyed it and we could do a lot of things with them in the future. It would be real good for us and them." 

Lt. Col. Dean Hartman, commander of the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron, agreed with Airman Briggs, stating, "Performing operations together with our civilian counterparts allows us to leverage each organization's strengths, and ensures that we better posture ourselves to respond to situations across the spectrum of emergency management mission needs." 

Carrel expressed his appreciation for the military's support. "Another big thanks to the Air Force for being able to drop what they're doing and come out here no notice" he said. "It really helps us out."