Fire Destroys Police HQ in Woodbury

By Rupert Deedes

A fast-moving fire at the Nassau County Police Department's Second Precinct in Woodbury destroyed the police precinct building and injured several firefighters.

The fire occurred at the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct, located at 7700 Jericho Turnpike, on Saturday, 26 November, at about 10:15PM. The fire started in the precinct building’s kitchen area, and then spread to two adjoining offices.

Fire fighters from the Syosset Fire Department and several other surrounding fire departments rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames. Detectives from the Arson/Bomb Squad and Fire Marshals also came to the scene to investigate the source of the fire, but their investigation concluded that the fire was not the result of a foul play.

Six police employees who were in the building when the fire started were treated at Nassau University Medical Center for smoke inhalation, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the damage from the fire left the building "not salvageable." It is not yet clear what repairing or rebuilding the precinct building would require.

The police said that there would be no interruptions of the Nassau County Police-related services. Members of the Second Precinct will temporarily move to the Eighth Precinct building.

Residents who need to contact the Second Precinct can still call 516-573-6200 or dial 911 in case of an emergency. The Second Precinct covers Bayville, East Norwich, Hicksville, Jericho, Lattingtown, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Syosset, Westbury and Woodbury.