Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad
Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode. When retired Arizona State Trooper Ken Emerson looks back on his career, few memories stand out more vividly than the prison hostage crisis that shook the state, and the nation. Emerson, who served on the Arizona Department of Public Safety Bomb Squad and the door-entry SWAT team, found himself on scene during the longest prison hostage crisis in U.S. history. Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms.
“It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” Emerson recalls in a special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. “We were trained for chaos, but nothing prepares you for a standoff that lasts fifteen days.” This special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast is available for free on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and many other podcast platforms.
The Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis hostage crisis unfolded in January 2004, when two inmates took control of a prison tower and held Correctional Officer Lois Fraley hostage. For fifteen harrowing days, law enforcement, negotiators, and tactical units worked tirelessly to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Look for supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin .
From Military to Bomb Squad: A Natural Transition
For Emerson, police work was a natural evolution after his military service. “Police work was the perfect transition for me after leaving the military,” he explains. “The structure, the mission, and the sense of purpose were all there. But on the Bomb Squad, you add a new layer of danger and precision.” Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode.
As part of one of the busiest bomb squads in the country, Emerson and his team were on call around the clock, responding to suspicious packages, explosive devices, and hazardous materials. “We were constantly moving,” he says. “From dignitary protection details to potential IED threats, there was never a dull moment.”
Inside the Life of a Bomb Squad Technician
The Bomb Squad, officially known as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or Hazardous Devices Unit, is often portrayed in movies as high-octane and glamorous. But Emerson says Hollywood gets most of it wrong. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
“Movies make it look like we’re cutting red and blue wires under pressure every day,” he laughs. “In reality, it’s a lot more technical. There’s a ton of planning, teamwork, and calm decision-making involved.”
Bomb technicians rely on an arsenal of tools and technology, bomb suits, remote-controlled robots, portable X-ray machines, and containment vessels all designed to protect life and minimize risk. “Our mission is simple,” Emerson says. “Make sure everyone goes home alive at the end of the day.” Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode.
The Arizona Prison Hostage Crisis
On January 18, 2004, chaos erupted at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye when two inmates overpowered guards and seized a watchtower. Inside, they held Correctional Officer Lois Fraley and Officer Jason Auch hostage at gunpoint. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
For fifteen days, the crisis gripped national headlines. Emerson and his team were called to the scene as part of the tactical response. “Our primary concern was the safety of everyone, the hostages, the officers, and even the inmates,” Emerson remembers. “Every move we made was calculated. We were dealing with explosives, firearms, and an unpredictable situation.”
During the ordeal, Fraley endured unimaginable terror. “I said goodbye to everybody,” she told ABC News after her release. “I never thought I was going to make it out alive.”
Miraculously, after two weeks of negotiations, the inmates surrendered. Fraley was safely rescued, ending what would become the longest-running prison hostage situation in U.S. history. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Lessons from the Crisis
For Emerson, the experience reinforced the importance of preparation, patience, and teamwork in law enforcement. “When you’re on scene at something like that, you realize just how interconnected every agency is, corrections, state police, SWAT, negotiators, everyone,” he says. “It’s all about trust.” Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode.
He also emphasizes the emotional toll that such events take on officers. “People don’t see the aftermath, the sleepless nights, the what-ifs,” Emerson reflects. “You carry those images and moments with you forever.”
Beyond the Badge
Today, Ken Emerson channels his passion into helping law enforcement agencies recruit the best possible candidates, especially military veterans transitioning to civilian life. “Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and courage,” he says. “But they also need guidance and purpose after service. Law enforcement can offer that, if we do it right.” You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB.
Through his appearances on podcasts and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, Emerson hopes to shine a light on the realities of police work and inspire the next generation of officers.
“This job isn’t about heroics,” he insists. “It’s about service, to your community, your partners, and your country.”
Listen to the Full Story: Hear Ken Emerson’s powerful firsthand account streaming for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast platforms. Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode.
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Prison And The State Police, Bomb Squad In Arizona, Special Episode.
Attributions
Arizona Department of Public Safety
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