The much anticipated new police station at 1740 West State Road 28 was unveiled to the general public before a massive crowd of local and state officials along with those interested citizens who wanted a glimpse of the nearly $10 million complex.
“I am so happy and I am so happy for our staff,” said Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker. “When we have future police officers in town, recruiting them, this is what I’m going to show them. This is a game changer for us. This is a great building.”
The new building will more than double the size of the old Police Station downtown. The old building, which at one time housed the post office, had about 11,000 usable square feet. The new building is 25,000 square feet and is not only larger, but custom and purpose-built for its current use and is all contained on one level with no basement.
It also has the capacity to serve the community for decades to come, but has the structural and land use capability to the East if needed.
Another nice thing is that the new building will be completely paid off in 20 years. Plus the station is in the middle of city expansion. The new city limits will expand from Walmart to NHK. Shoemaker added they will be patrolling the I-65 area soon.
“We know that we have to reach out to people to recruit them,” said Shoemaker. “We’re going to invite them here now because this is where they are going to live of their year.”
The new police station training area also has the capability to convert to a shelter area for stranded motorists during a tornado or blizzard. The building is also equipped by a large commercial grade generator and full battery backup capabilities.
“I’m so excited about this building,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “It’s going to be so much safer for our officers. They serve and protect our community and they deserve this building. They will be able to do their jobs to the best of their ability.”
Sheets added how much it means to the community.
“I think it shows we have a great community that really cares,” said Sheets.
The new police station will be open for business starting at 6 a.m. Thursday.