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grolfe
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 04:32 pm |
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By Glenn Rolfe
Leader & State Register
SEAFORD – Sunday’s dedication of the expanded and renovated Seaford Police Department and 911 Center commemorated a major project that will enhance public safety, police coverage and emergency response well into the city’s future.
Dozens of residents joined city, county and others involved in the $1.35 million project in tours of the facility, which features a modern state of the art 911 Center nationally accredited by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
In addition to 911 Center upgrade, a 2,400 square foot addition for a police department administrative wing was added on the east side of the building on Virginia Avenue.
“I think we have the best there is in the state,” said Seaford Mayor Edward H. Butler Jr. “Naturally, I believe that Seaford has the best police department in the state.”
While the 911 Center has undergone upgrade to accommodate changes in technology, this was the first major expansion since the original building was built in 1979 at a cost of $500,000 in federal funding.
At that time, it housed 15 police officers and four dispatchers. Today, there are 10 dispatchers and 27 officers.
“Having a building that functions and provides a positive atmosphere for its occupants does improve morale and productivity, which is one of the goals of the city of Seaford,” said City Manager Dolores Slatcher, who noted mayor and council’s decision “to fund a project at a time when the economy was declining.”
Seaford Police Chief Gary Morris was employed in the department when the building was built in 1979.
“Probably back then none of us that are here today thought that there was going to come a time where the need was there for this type of expansion,” said Chief Morris.
Seaford 911 Center, which receives thousands of police, fire, utility and non-emergency calls annually, also serves as a backup for the Sussex County 911 center in Georgetown, which provides the same accommodation for Seaford.
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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