Watch Hill firefighters responded with Westerly Police this week to a report of a pipe bomb located outside a residence on Turtleback Road. Firefighters assisted in evacuating the area, securing the scene, diverting the traffic, and providing on scene Fire and EMS support as members of the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad examined and disabled the device and members of the Westerly Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Investigations Unit documented and investigated the incident.

Our appreciation and admiration is extended to all of the involved members of the Westerly Police Department, the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Investigations Unit, and the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad for their professionalism in efficiently and effectively mitigating and resolving this incident. The device was disabled and a suspect was in custody within three hours of the initial report.

The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad is responsible for responding to, mitigating, and investigating all incidents involving explosive materials throughout the state. Each member is certified by the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a Bomb Technician and undergo both basic bomb school as well as recurring certification programs. The unit operates a significant cache of advanced equipment including x-ray devices, robotic platforms, and response vehicles.

The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal Investigations Unit is comprised of fire investigators who hold, at a minimum, certification as a fire investigation technician. All Investigations Unit members are sworn law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction. The Unit responds to approximately 300 hundred incidents per year and works closely with many local, state, and federal agencies.

Providing Fire and EMS standby units is a vital part of the Bomb Squad standard tactical plan when they respond to mitigate an incident in the event that an unfortunate occurrence results in an explosion, injuries or fires.