Interview with Kurt Cottrell: Behind the Scenes at BioCare

In the aftermath of a tragic event, such as a violent accident or homicide, the initial responders—police, detectives, and emergency medical teams—do their critical work. But once the yellow crime scene tape comes down, another specialized team steps in to handle a different kind of aftermath. This team is BioCare, a biohazard cleanup company, where the focus shifts from gathering evidence to restoring a safe and livable environment for the affected families. We spoke with Kurt Cottrell, who oversees law enforcement relations for BioCare, to learn more about the vital work they do.

Kurt, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you tell us a bit about what BioCare does and how your team steps in after the police and emergency responders have finished their work?
Kurt: After law enforcement has completed their investigation, the scene is often left with biological hazards—blood, tissue, and other remains—that need to be properly disposed of. Our job at BioCare is not just about cleaning; it’s about helping families avoid further trauma. We step in to make the space safe again, which can involve anything from disinfecting surfaces to removing and disposing of contaminated materials like carpets or floorboards.

That sounds like incredibly sensitive work. How does BioCare approach this to ensure the families are supported during such a difficult time?
Kurt: One of our top priorities is minimizing the family’s exposure to the scene. They’ve already been through something horrific, and the last thing they need is to deal with the aftermath. We try to handle everything with care and respect, understanding that this isn’t just a physical cleanup but an emotional one as well. We work to restore the home to a state where the family can begin to heal without the burden of what happened there.

How has the process of cleaning up after such events changed over time?
Kurt: Years ago, the responsibility for cleaning up was often left to the families, which added to their trauma. Nowadays, there’s a greater understanding of the need for professional intervention. Regulations have also become stricter—firefighters, for example, can’t just hose down a scene and let contaminants run into drains. Everything must be handled according to federal and state guidelines, and companies like BioCare are equipped to meet those standards.

What are some of the most common situations where BioCare is called in?
Kurt: We handle a range of situations, from cleaning up after homicides and suicides to unattended deaths where the body has decomposed. We also deal with drug-related cleanups. Each situation is different, and we often work with insurance companies to help cover the costs for families, which can be a big relief for them during such a tough time.

You mentioned earlier that BioCare operates in Utah and the surrounding states. Could you tell us more about that?
Kurt: Absolutely. BioCare serves not only Utah but also all the surrounding states. We’re part of Envirocare, which allows us to provide a broad range of services across a wide area. No matter where the need arises, we’re equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to help families and communities in their time of need.

It’s clear that the work you do goes beyond just cleaning—it’s about helping families move forward. Thank you, Kurt, for sharing this insight into the important work BioCare does.
Kurt Cottrell: Thank you for having me. It’s a challenging job, but knowing that we can help families during such a vulnerable time makes it all worth it.