SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Sprinklers flood police station

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   Cracked sprinkler heads caused significant water damage to the first and second floors of the police wing at the Municipal Complex last month.
   The deluge of water from the heads caused the area to sustain $158,327 in damages and destroyed equipment during the late evening of Jan. 18 and into the early morning of Jan. 19.
   ”The fire sprinkler heads burst and it caused substantial damage to the lower floors at the Police Department,” said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz. “Once our dispatchers saw the heads leaking they called in Public Works, but those sprinklers throw out a lot of water so by the time they got it turned off there was substantial damage.”
   Mr. Schmalz said the damage caused a slight disruption in clerical work but police were able to dispatch without a disruption in services. He said repairs should be finished soon.
   ”They’re still working on it but it’s almost completed,” Mr. Schmalz. “They had to fix the problem with the sprinklers but more importantly it destroyed furniture, equipment and ceiling tiles.”
   Mr. Schmalz said that some areas of dispatch, a room for daily police briefings and some areas of the municipal court sustained the worst of the damage.
   The most significant damage was done to the carpeting. Irreparable damage was caused and $74,918 will be needed for new carpeting. New dispatch consoles also were necessary, with $62,068 needed for replacements.
   A new computer, a projector with a lamp and new ceiling tiles also were required.
   Repairs were necessary to the wall, alarm and fireproofing mechanisms in the complex. The damage sustained was beyond the ability of township personnel to fix, according to Mr. Schmalz.
   He said it was critical for the repairs to be done as soon as possible in order to avoid disrupting the Police Communications Center’s ability to handle 911 calls and dispatch emergency personnel.
   The cost of the damage is to be covered by insurance, as the claim already has been submitted for reimbursement.