Ordnances Close Public Safety Facilities

HARWICH – The public safety facilities on Sisson Road were closed temporarily on Wednesday, Jan. 21, after two World War II-era ordnances were dropped off. The state police bomb squad was called to address the situation.

 Police Chief Kevin Considine said two residents walked into the station and placed two older era ordnances on the counter at the dispatch window, explaining that they wanted to get rid of them. The ordnances, Considine said, were found in the basement of a home they were cleaning out.

 The facilities, which includes the fire department headquarters, were closed for about 90 minutes, Considine said, with no public access allowed in the building or parking lot during that time. The state police bomb squad determined the ordnances were two inert training anti-tank munitions. The state police removed them from the facilities.

Considine said it is common to find such items on Cape Cod when houses are being cleaned out. They are sometimes taken as mementos by people serving in the armed services and get misplaced or forgotten.

  He said that if such items are found, people should leave them untouched and call 911 immediately. The police department will respond and assess the situation. He said that the state police bomb squad responds quickly and will dispose of items safely and professionally.