Elko Police Acquire New Robot for Bomb Squad

Donation from Pennington Foundation enables advanced technology for safer responses.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the camera lens and sensors of a bomb squad robot, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the robot's capabilities.Elko's new bomb squad robot brings advanced technology to safely respond to hazardous threats in the region.Elko Today

The Elko Police Department has acquired a new EVO Hybrid robot for their bomb squad, thanks to a $500,000 donation from the William N. Pennington Foundation. The upgraded robot provides advanced features that allow the team to investigate suspicious packages, safely disarm dangerous devices from a distance, and operate in hazardous environments without putting squad members at risk.

Why it matters

As one of four bomb squads in Nevada, the Elko Bomb Squad covers a large geographic area and provides critical support to other regional squads. This new robot technology enhances the department's ability to respond quickly and safely to potential threats, keeping the community secure.

The details

The Elko Police Department's new EVO Hybrid robot is equipped with advanced features that enable the bomb squad to carry out their duties more effectively and safely. The robot can be used to remotely investigate suspicious packages, disarm dangerous devices, and operate in hazardous environments without exposing officers to risk.

  • The Elko Police Department acquired the new robot in April 2026 using a $500,000 donation from the William N. Pennington Foundation.

The players

Elko Police Department

The law enforcement agency for the city of Elko, Nevada, which operates one of four bomb squads in the state.

William N. Pennington Foundation

A charitable organization that provided a $500,000 donation to the Elko Police Department to purchase the new bomb squad robot.

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What they’re saying

“The upgraded robot provides advanced features that allow the team to investigate suspicious packages, safely disarm dangerous devices from a distance, and operate in hazardous environments without putting squad members at risk. As a result, residents and businesses in Elko and neighboring counties benefit from faster, safer responses to threats, keeping our community secure in daily life.”

— Elko Police Department

What’s next

The Elko Police Department will begin using the new EVO Hybrid robot for all bomb squad operations in the region, providing enhanced capabilities for responding to potential threats.

The takeaway

The Elko Police Department's acquisition of this advanced bomb squad robot, enabled by a generous community donation, demonstrates the department's commitment to public safety and the use of cutting-edge technology to protect residents and businesses.