Next week we will see the continuing commitment to public safety with the grand opening of Meridian's Fire Station #8 and the Northwest Police Station. This event will mark a significant next step in helping maintain Meridian’s status as one of the safest communities in the West.

Our goal is to deploy resources in ways that broaden community policing and improve response times. These co-located facilities will help us do just that as we reduce time spent driving to and from our police station on Watertower as necessary for our police officers on patrol in northwest Meridian, and put an additional fire resource into operation. These strategies will help our police department spend more time in neighborhoods connecting with the community and building relationships and trust. It also allows our fire department to reduce losses from fires and be there sooner for health emergencies.

These investments are in line with the services that has been envisioned for this area. Schools have been built, and others are being planned in northwest Meridian. Our transportation partners at the Ada County Highway District and Idaho Transportation Department have been planning for, and are currently building needed road improvements. This new public safety services continues our commitment to responsible growth and meeting the service level expectations of residents and businesses alike.

This new public safety campus is a huge accomplishment and testament to the strong working relationships we have not only with our public safety departments, but our agency partners too. I want to extend a big thank you to Police Chief Basterrechea, Fire Chief Blume, and Paramedic Chief Rayne and their teams for working together to bring the delivery of these essential services to the residents of north Meridian. Also, to the team that helped build these facilities, under budget. I would like to particularly thank Stacy Redmon with our Public Works Department, and ESI who managed the construction of these facilities.

The Grand Opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 11:00 am, at 4232 N. Owyhee Storm Ave., Meridian, ID 83646. I invite Meridian residents to join in this celebration, witnessing the inauguration of these new facilities. These essential services reflect our unwavering commitment to prioritize public safety and community well-being.