Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Town officials, first responders and residents gathered Saturday to celebrate the dedication and ribbon-cutting of Havana’s new Public Safety Complex, a project that has been years in the making and brings the town’s police and fire departments together under one roof.
The new multi-million-dollar facility replaces aging buildings that no longer met the operational needs of the departments and is designed to improve emergency response, coordination and service to the community. The complex includes an upgraded dispatch center, new technology, office and meeting space, and improved accommodations for both the Havana Police Department and the Havana Volunteer Fire Department.
Havana Police Chief Kenneth Lewis said the new building represents a major investment in both public safety personnel and the citizens they serve.
“It is a much better environment for the community to come into,” Lewis said during the ceremony. “If you’ve ever seen our old lobby or our old department, this was so much needed.”
Lewis said the lobby is the part of the building he is most proud of because it creates a welcoming first impression for residents visiting the department. He said he wanted the space to feel warm and inviting while also recognizing the people who serve the community. The lobby features photographs of every member of the police department, allowing residents to identify the officers and staff who serve them, whether they are visiting to offer a compliment or file a complaint.
Lewis said the project took several years to complete as town leaders worked to secure funding and bring the vision to reality.
“It’s a glorious day for the community. It’s a glorious day for my officers and my dispatchers,” he said.
While the completed building features modern technology and upgraded facilities, Lewis said much of the work behind the scenes was made possible through community support. Police department staff, town officials and volunteers completed projects themselves, including laying sod, installing a privacy fence and building the facility’s data network after receiving donated materials.
“We couldn’t afford to outsource,” Lewis said. “We were able to get a lot of donors to help us with materials … and we put in the physical work, from the mayor all the way down to some of our part-time people.”
Lewis also thanked residents who supported fundraising efforts to help furnish the building. Although the state provided funding to construct the Public Safety Complex, community members raised money to help purchase the furnishings needed to complete the facility.
The facility also expands the town’s public safety capabilities through upgraded communications equipment and technology. According to town officials, officers can monitor cameras installed throughout Havana from the enhanced dispatch center, improving situational awareness and coordination during emergencies.
As part of Saturday’s ceremony, the Havana Volunteer Fire Department dedicated its portion of the building in honor of longtime volunteer firefighter Don C. Vickers, recognizing his decades of service and commitment to the community.
Fire Chief Don Harrison said naming the fire department after Vickers was a fitting tribute.
“It just means a lot because serving for Don for so many years and knowing that he really cared about this community,” Harrison said. “It’s just not a name on a sign thrown on a building just for the sake of doing it. He really did care for this community.”
Following the dedication and ribbon-cutting, residents toured the new facility, met with police officers and firefighters, and enjoyed a community lunch.
Construction of the Public Safety Complex was funded through a $1 million state appropriation, while community fundraising efforts helped furnish the building. The project also included the support of numerous volunteers, businesses, contractors and organizations that donated time, labor and materials to help complete the facility.
Lewis thanked everyone who contributed to making the project a reality and said he hopes the new building will serve the town for many years to come. “Welcome home,” he told those gathered for the dedication.
