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Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo) sent a letter today to the State’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Richard Daines, calling on him to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations that the D District police station may be the cause of illnesses experienced by officers. A copy of that letter is available to read here.

Hoyt said, “The abrupt closure of the station is very disturbing.  I understand that possibly nine police officers who have worked there have developed cancer since being assigned to this building and these health dangers contributed to the closing decision.  So, there are two issues at work, closing a police station over a weekend without any notice to the community and second, keeping a building in operation for so long when it may have been endangering the health of Buffalo Police Officers.”

On Friday, February 12^th, a hand-written sign was placed in front of the D District door advising residents that the building was closed and to call 9-1-1 for emergencies or another number, 851-4403, for non-emergencies.  No report has been released detailing the extent of the public health danger that prompted the closing.  An anonymous officer first reported to the Buffalo News that nine officers have suffered from bouts with cancer since working at the station.  No official comment has been released in regards to that claim and it is not known whether the investigation that resulted in the closing of the station looked for carcinogenic material.

“If there is a pattern of illness amongst officers who have served in D District then there is a real problem and we have to address it.  There seems to be enough evidence of a cancer cluster to warrant an investigation by the State Department of Health.  Police officers face enough danger on the street, they shouldn’t have to face it in the precinct building.” concluded Hoyt.

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