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CARLISLE — Carlisle police are fighting black mold with the same authority they use to combat crime.

Officers are pitching in to rebuild the Fairview Drive police station after it was gutted when black mold was discovered in the walls and ceiling in January.

"Our guys doing some of the work on their own is going to save us a lot of money," said Mayor Jerry Ellender. "It's also given them the opportunity to get the inside of the building the way they want it."

The city spent more than $8,000 to gut the building and get rid of the mold. The toxic fungus is known for causing breathing and other health problems.

Officers noticed symptoms in early January and city officials quickly cleared out the building.

Police operations are being split between the fire station and mayor's office in town hall.

"We've had to make some adjustments to get through it," said Michelle Ferrell, dispatcher and public safety clerk.

Interior reconstruction, which will cost about $20,000, is expected to start when the roof is water-tight, said Bradley Townsend, city manager.

"We think we can get it sealed up," he said. "The reality is it will need other work."

City Council is considering spending up to $67,000 to fix structural problems — including raising a flat, leaky roof — that may have led to the mold problems.

"I don't want to get back in the same trouble again with the roof leaking," Ellender said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2845 or cmagan@coxohio.com.