Gardaí have placed a wreath at Tallaght Garda station in memory of Sergeant Andrew Callanan, who died following an arson attack there this morning. RTÉ has learned that he lost his life trying to save the man who started the fire. Gardaí say that a man entered the station at around a quarter to five this morning, with petrol and some flares. He went into the public office where the garda sergeant and several other Gardaí were on duty and set it on fire, before escaping in a white Ford Sierra car.
Sergeant Callanan suffered serious burn injuries and was being treated in the emergency room of Tallaght hospital, where he died just before 6 o'clock this morning. He was 36 and was married with three small children. Originally from Thurles in County Tipperary, he lived in Bray in County Wicklow, but had served in Tallaght for most of his 17 years in the force. It is understood that some of his colleagues were also injured in the attack, their condition is not known, although it is thought that their injuries were minor.
Gardaí say that they have no idea why the attack took place. The scene has been preserved and the circumstances of the incident are being investigated. A man was arrested at about eight o'clock and is being held at Crumlin Garda Station. The Minister for Justice, John O'Donoghue, led messages of sympathy to Sergeant Callanan's family, describing the attack as an outrage. All the political parties have expressed their shock at Sergeant Callanan's death.
Local residents have been leaving floral tributes at the station. President McAleese has conveyed her condolences to Mrs. Yvonne Callanan and Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne on the death of Sergeant Callanan today. In her message, the President extended her most sincere sympathy and that of the people of Ireland to the family and colleagues of Sergeant Callanan.
General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association, P.J. Stone, has expressed his shock at the death of Garda Sergeant, Andrew Callanan. He said it highlights once again the difficult conditions which members of the Garda Síochána operate under on a day to day basis. The General Secretary said that the Garda Síochána had advanced to a stage where it had attempted to become more customer-orientated. He added however that he hoped this tragedy would not blight this approach.
The President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Mr. Pat Diggin, has expressed his deepest sympathy to the wife and young family of Mr. Callana. He said that every member of the association is deeply shocked and traumatised by what has happened. He added that the incident illustrated the dangers faced by all Gardaí in an increasingly violent society.
