Reward offered in Lake Grove school playground fire investigation

Centereach Fire District officials have offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in setting a fire at a Lake Grove elementary school playground this week.

The Sunday night fire "completely destroyed" the playground at Eugene Auer Elementary School, fire district officials said in a news release. A Suffolk County police spokeswoman said Thursday that the fire was under investigation by the Arson Squad.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking," Julia Wilson, chairwoman of the Centereach board of fire commissioners, said in a statement. "This wasn't just any playground. The community pitched in, joined together and raised money to erect it."

Fire commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to offer the reward, officials said.

"This playground was enjoyed by many neighborhood children. To see it destroyed by such a callous action is disturbing," Chief Henry Borkowski said in a statement.

Information about the fire may be reported to police by calling 800-220-8477.