Positive progress for Tal Afar IPs

TAL AFAR, IRAQ

09.06.2006

Story by Spc. Leigh Campbell 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th MPAD

TAL AFAR, Iraq (August 24, 2006) – Government officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to reopen one of the oldest police stations in the city of Tal Afar, Iraq after it was newly renovated

Colonel Taha, commander of the station, had fought with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during Operation Restoring Rights. During the operation the police station suffered major damage and was in dire need of repair. The operation resulted in damage to police stations, while anti-Iraqi-forces intimidated the police.

"During the operation there were about 200 IP's, which controlled a castle and the Tahadi Police Station," said Capt. Josey Sandoval, Task force 2-37, Iraqi Police liaison office. "Colonel Taha has been working hard for the community as a whole, not just the Sunni, or the Shiites. He has been working hard to break sectarianism in the police force. Upgrading this Station was a key reward for the efforts of the Iraqi Police.

The renovations started in June and were completed in August. The company responsible for the renovations was Tetro Tech. They have done most of the renovation projects through-out the city. The newly renovated building includes new rooms, plumbing, and new wiring through-out the building. The station can now be used as a living space for the Iraqi Police that reside outside of the city. Prior to the renovations, the pluming was backed up, and the electricity had no back up generator.

"They used to be controlled by their living space, now that the building has been renovated, it will allow them to concentrate more on their mission," said Sandoval "This will make them a better and more effective fighting force."

• Date Taken: 09.06.2006
• Date Posted: 09.06.2006 10:33
• Story ID: 7623
• Location: TAL AFAR, IQ