Columbus Air Force Base reopened the front gate to thru-traffic yesterday at approximately 2:57 p.m. after receiving the all-clear following a morning bomb scare.
Staff Sgt. Tom Burns said the base went on alert at approximately 11:25 a.m. Thursday when a Security Forces canine handler”s dog gave an alert while performing a routine search of a delivery truck. The front gate was closed, and 30 people on base were immediately evacuated from the vicinity.
Both the Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Lowndes County Sheriff”s Office responded.
Burns said the bomb squad arrived around 2 p.m., searched the vehicle, and found no device. The vehicle remains at CAFB, and the driver has been detained for questioning by CAFB”s Office of Special Investigations.
Burns said because of the way the Security Forces canines are trained, they can detect even residual scents, so even if someone came into contact with the vehicle or its contents following an afternoon at the gun range, the dogs will signal an alert.
Burns said its standard policy for canine handlers to search all delivery vehicles that enter the base. They also perform random searches and enforce other security measures.
“Our Security Forces — our defenders — are our front line defense for this military installation,” said Sonic Johnson, director of public affairs. “They”re good at what they do, and they take their job seriously.”
Approximately 3,000 people work on the base.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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