Joint Effort Underway to Round up Military Mementos
St. Louis, Missouri An effort is underway in St. Louis to get military-grade explosives out of homes and off the streets. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are teaming up this week to collect mementos from a friend or loved one's military service that could potentially be live and dangerous.
"This recovery week is focused on recovering military ordnance to prevent injury," said Interim Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans of the FBI St. Louis Division in a news release. "Bomb squad technicians will only ask questions that help them identify the items and ensure their safe disposal. This initiative is not designed to gather evidence or prosecute people."
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported 11 "Supposed Explosive/Hazardous Device" calls in 2021, while the St. Louis County Police department responded to 46 within its own jurisdiction and in municipalities it assists.
The FBI says if you have a suspected explosive device, avoid touching the item and call their dedicated hotline at: 314-589-2680. Agencies participating in the effort include: FBI St. Louis, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit), St. Louis County Police Department (St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit); St. Charles County Police Department, SEMO Bomb Squad; Missouri State Highway Patrol; FBI Springfield; Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad; and the 375th Explosive Ordnance Detachment Unit, Scott Air Force Base.
