NUMIDIA - The Locust Township Police Department held an open house Saturday for its office.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., area residents toured the facility located inside the north end of the township's municipal building along state Route 42.
Police Chief Allen Breach said the department was previously located in a room that was approximately 14-by-22 feet in size.
"There was no privacy to conduct general police business or to conduct effective interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects," Breach said.
The new office area is approximately 29-by-45 feet in what was the building's cafeteria. The station includes a small kitchen area and interview room, a new entrance with a lobby, two offices inside the main floor area and five work stations for officers and a volunteer clerk.
The project was completed with funds provided by a $10,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development-Urban Development Program, with the assistance of then state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr.
Additional funds were provided through donations from area businesses and private residents and money raised during a Christmas event, Chinese auction and car show held by the Locust Township Police Officers Association.
"We really want the public to be aware that the money expended was for materials and office equipment only, and no local taxpayer money spent," Breach said. "Volunteers completed all of the work. There are so many people who assisted in this project (that) it would be nearly impossible to list them all."
Breach said local contractor Richard Zubowicz, of Zubowicz Building, and Assistant Chief John Brokenshire worked on the project for nine straight weeks for no compensation. Other officers and their family members, along with several private citizens assisted whenever they could. Brian Snyder of 3B Cleaning provided the crew and materials at no charge to strip and wax the floor. Merck and Company, Riverside, donated office furniture.
"As members of this agency, we are all indebted to everyone who stepped up to help, and are very humbled by everyone's support," Breach said. "This project reinforced what we already knew, that we are privileged to work and provide a service to the residents of the Roaring Creek Valley. We are truly honored to work for the residents and visitors here."
