That was the day that three veteran deputy sheriffs were killed by an accidental explosion while disposing of military-style grenades, in Los Angeles County. The occurrence was during a normal cargo operation. It is the greatest incurred loss of life for the LA County Sheriff’s Department in one event since 1857.
Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn are working with two grenades. Just one day prior to this explosion, they had recently confiscated these grenades from an apartment complex in Santa Monica. The explosion has left one person missing. In reaction, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms is directing an unprecedented investigation.
Retired sheriff Robert Luna, who was in charge of the department when the three officers were killed on duty, said he is devastated. Kelley-Eklund 19 year career in the public service. Lemus pledged 22 years, while Osborn, a true veteran, gladly completed a 33-year career. It was their deep commitment to public safety and service that leaves indelible memories over their lost comrades with their friends, their families … their community.
In response to the incident, Sheriff Luna released a statement outlining new operational protocols for the arson and explosives team. His presentation underscored the commitment that all explosive devices in the future will be considered live, even if not in that condition.
“All future explosive devices, inert or not, will be treated as if they are all live and will be disposed of accordingly,” – Sheriff Robert Luna.
The NTSB’s investigation into the explosion has been decidedly more expansive. Operators of special enforcement bureau cars under X-ray authority. These as well, though they have scoured the blast area extensively and scrutinized layouts of different offices, including the gym. So far they say they’ve been unable to find the second grenade that played a role in the incident.
We support Sheriff Luna’s call for an independent review. This short review will highlight the policies and practices employed by the arson and explosives team. He stated,
“You get the drift. We have looked at everything out there that we possibly could.”
The sheriff’s department is still absorbing the shock of losing Detectives Kelley-Eklund, Lemus, and Osborn. In their passing, they have rocked the entire community. The department is clearly dedicated to honoring the memory of its fallen officers. Equally important, it is doing all it can to implement new safety measures, keep its investigations ongoing to prevent such a tragedy ever occurring again.