THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 8, 1995 TAG: 9507080426
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER CHRISTMAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SOUTHERN SHORES LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
When Police Chief Danny Beasley began suffering from severe headaches, shortness of breath, itchy eyes and dry mouth in 1992, he blamed it on allergies.
But when fellow officers developed similar symptoms, he decided the police station was making them sick.
A new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system installed in the spring of 1994 improved conditions slightly.
But now the symptoms are back again, Beasley told the Southern Shores Town Council during an emergency meeting Friday afternoon.
``The problem has never completely gone away,'' Beasley said. ``It had gotten better for a little while, but people are getting sick again. I can be gone for a weekend, and it will clear up by Monday, but by Wednesday, I just have to leave the office.
``And it's not just me, it's everyone.''
The Southern Shores Town Council agreed to enlist the services of a Norfolk certified industrial hygenist, Leighton Turner, to begin an initial investigation of the police headquarters building. Turner will visit the site Monday.
Within the next week, the council will consider alternative work locations for the police.
Town Manager Cay Cross said the town attorney advised her to relocate the police as soon as possible in order to avoid exposing officers to further sickness, as well as to avoid litigation.
Beasley, who has visited an allergist about his conditions, said he is the only officer who has sought medical attention.
Council member Gerald Beshens said while the town should not act hastily, the well-being of the police is vital.
``We want to provide our workers with the best working conditions as possible,'' Beshens said. ``If we find an unhealthful situation, we have to act to make things better. We have to protect these workers.''
The police have had intermittent problems with the station during the seven years they have worked there. The 1940s structure was located on the beach before it was moved to its current location on a hill behind Southern Shores Town Hall.
In 1992, officers began complaining about allergy-like symptoms. When agencies inspected the police station, they noticed problems with the duct work.
``They found an unbelieveable mess,'' Cross said. ``There was all kinds of gook and beer cans.''
The town responded in 1994 by replacing the duct work and HVAC system. By the winter of 1995, the symptoms recurred.
``Winter is the worst when you have the heat going,'' Beasley said. ``Summer is not as bad, but it's starting again. Just recently one of our officers took a three-day break. After only 45 minutes of being back, he said, `I've got to get out of here.''
In addition to noting the officers' health problems, Beasley said that moisture has caused the floor, which was replaced a few years ago, to buckle and crack.
``When you step on it, water seeps through,'' Beasley said. ``There's got to be mold growing there like crazy.''
The Town Council will meet again on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Southern Shores Town Hall to address alternative working arrangments for the police. by CNB