Fire guts Piarco Police Station

THE Piarco Police Station, condemned for some time now, and more than 100 years old, was gutted by fire yesterday morning. Fire Service investigators said the fire started at 12.55 am. they believe the cause to be an electrical fault. Everything was burnt except two chairs and a stool. With the exception of a police mobile unit near the old Piarco terminal building, there is no police presence at the new terminal building. Reports will have to be made at the Arouca Police Station, some two miles away. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper who was inspecting the scene when Newsday arrived, pointed out that the Police Service administration took a decision four days before the fire.

“The administration must be commended for the foresight they had by making a decision on Tuesday last to have all the officers and documents moved from the dilapidated station and removed to the Arouca Police Station. “While there were losses, it was not as bad as it could have been if everything was still there and if all the officers were housed there. All officers from the shift who were at work yesterday managed to escape unhurt. “I cannot say if plans are afoot to rebuild the station or relocate the officers, but I do know that things have been already put in place to continue all-round policing and security in the Piarco area.”

According to reports, police officers were working in the building when they heard crackling sounds in the roof.They looked up and saw sparks flying. An alarm was raised and by the time they ran out the B - type building (mostly wood, some concrete and galvanise) it was engulfed. The officers stood by and watched helplessly as everything was destroyed except for the three partially-burnt seats. Newsday learnt that the building was owned by the Airport Authority of TT and was condemned last year following years of complaints by officers. Complaints were made about rotting floors, walls, roof, an infestatation of roaches, rats and several other issues.

On Tuesday last, after fresh complaints and a visit by members of the police administration late last year, a decision was taken on Tuesday to relocate the staff of the station. Also visiting the scene were Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul, Deputy CoP Glen Roach, Ag ACP (North) Randolph Protain, and Ag Senior Supt (Northern division) Gopichand Ganga. Meanwhile, residents of Piarco and surrounding districts who used the Piarco Police Station, have been advised that they must make reports at Arouca or at a mobile unit set up at the old BWIA terminal in the old airport building. Persons have also been advised that they can contact the station at 640-8854 or 640-6138.