The Washoe County Consolidated Bomb Squad has received a $29,094 grant from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Assistance, according to a March 19 announcement. The grant period runs from January 1 through September 30.
The funding is intended to improve the bomb squad’s ability to respond safely and efficiently to hazardous device incidents and new threats such as unmanned aerial systems. The enhancements will support public safety in Washoe County, Reno, Sparks, and surrounding rural communities.
According to the announcement, the project will upgrade the squad’s primary response vehicle with a camper shell, bed slide, storage drawers, and a communications radio. These additions are expected to help organize mission-essential equipment more securely and increase deployment efficiency during high-risk operations. The grant will also fund a removable camper shell for transporting and storing the team’s mobile drone detection system. This system is used to identify potential drone threats at large events, critical infrastructure sites, dignitary protection assignments, and emergency responses.
The main goal of these upgrades is to enhance operational readiness by improving access to equipment, transport security, and communication reliability. Objectives include completing all vehicle improvements within the grant period and increasing use of drone detection capabilities during operations.
The Washoe County Consolidated Bomb Squad covers about 10,500 square miles in northern Nevada. In recent years it has seen more calls related to suspected explosive devices as well as an increase in drone-related threats. These trends have highlighted the need for better equipment storage and deployment options.
Expected outcomes from this project include faster response times, improved scene safety, better equipment security, and greater effectiveness in detecting both explosive devices and drones. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to advancing public safety through investments in technology and regional collaboration.
