The City of Jackson broke ground Thursday for a new police station next to the current one.
Brian Gerau, director of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed those who had braved blustery winds and cold temperatures to view the ceremony, noting that “we do have a growing community.”
“From a public safety standpoint, the Jackson Police Station will be a huge asset to our community,” added Phil Penzel, president of Penzel Construction Co., the design-builder.
“This is a historic occasion,” announced JPD Police Chief James Humphreys. “After five years of planning, it’s a reality. Just like Donald Trump says, ‘Let’s build this thing.’”
The building is designed to improve the functionality of the police department, which currently shares an overcrowded building with the fire department. Humphreys spoke highly of the design of the new building, stating, “They nailed it,” and added, “In approximately 15 months we will have a new police station we can be proud of.”
When the police department moves into the new facility, the fire department will expand to fill the entire old structure.
Mayor Dwain Hahs introduced the aldermen and thanked the residents of the City of Jackson “for their support to keep Jackson safe.” Without the passage of the Public Safety Sales Tax, the new police station would not be a reality at this time.
The new station was made possible by the public’s approval of a 1/2-cent public safety tax last year, which allowed the police and fire departments to hire more personnel and purchase equipment. Income from the Public Safety Sales Tax will not be used for construction of the new building. The City will pay for its construction out of reserve funds.
