The Sky Valley Police Department unveiled their newly renovated police department building at a community open house on Thursday, Dec. 19.
The project was completed by Sky Valley Police Officer Lt. David Edwards.
“What originally started this project was that we discovered the room we were using as a police department was a maintenance room,” said Chief of Police Vaughn Estes.
Estes said that the building also had black mold and was too small to function efficiently as a police station.
Estes said that other problems included police officers having to share one desk and not having a proper storage facility for equipment.
“We did all the work in-house,” Estes said.
He said that Edwards completed all of the labor for the project and that it took about 4-6 months to finish.
Estes said that the renovation probably tripled the floor space of the department.
The police department now consists of an office for the Chief and every police officer has their own user area and desk space with a computer to work, Estes said.
It also has a multi-purpose room that can be used as a break room, locker room and file room.
The new evidence room was built to state specifications.
“The evidence room is built under state certification program guidelines,” Estes said. He said that if the department decides to pursue becoming state certified, they would not have to build a new evidence room and could be inspected for state certification and accreditation as is.
Estes said that the only cost to taxpayers was the supplies used to renovate the building, which he said needed to be bought anyway to remove the black mold.
Estes said since he arrived at the department, his goal has been to modernize it. January marks his three years at the Sky Valley Police Department.
“Trying to get the department modernized has been difficult,” Estes said. He said that the department was in “disarray” when he arrived and that he wanted to turn it around and make it a place people want to work.
Good people, good equipment and a good facility, Estes explained. “I think we came a long way.”
Estes acknowledged some of the individuals who made the successful renovated police department possible.
He said that he was appreciative and grateful to Ella Fast, city manager, and Bob MacNair, mayor of Sky Valley. As well as Edwards for completing the project.
Estes said that he appreciated the support of Al Piontkowski, who brought a unique perspective because as a former police officer.
“He’s been a huge supporter of the police department,” Estes said. He said that Piontkowski was one of the council members who advocated for the project.
Estes also thanked the organizers of the open house, who provided refreshments and gave residents the opportunity to view the building.
“Our open house would not have been possible without the efforts of Ms. Platt, who is one of the leaders of our Sky Valley Watch,” Estes said. “She went above and beyond because she made all this possible.”