News Star: Lincoln Parish opens public safety complex
In the heat of a Louisiana midafternoon, residents of Lincoln Parish fanned themselves with promotional material for the new Lincoln Parish Public Safety Complex at the building’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We have a fantastic building worthy of Lincoln Parish,” said Sheriff Mike Stone.
The 24,000-square-foot facility will house the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office criminal, juvenile and community services divisions as well as the Lincoln Parish Homeland Security director and the Lincoln Parish fire chief. The training hall, fitness center and rows of offices will allow these agencies to better serve 29 parishes across northeastern Louisiana.
Sen. Mary Landrieu and U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister along with state Sens. Bob Kostelka, Mike Walsworth and Rick Gallot and state Reps. Patrick Jefferson and Rob Shadoin gathered with Stone to cut crime scene tape stretched across the door of the facility.
Landrieu played a significant role in funding the building, which was built entirely without taxpayer money.
“It’s wonderful to see the sheriff’s vision — and his team of leaders — come to fruition,” Landrieu said. “This office has been well-run for decades.”
In 2009, Landrieu secured a $980,000 grant to help build the safety complex. She said the entire building cost $5 million.
While speaking to the Lincoln Parish residents, she recognized the enthusiastic efforts of the other lawmakers in attendance.
“They worked across party lines,” she said, “Republicans and Democrats, and said, ‘Yes, we believe this is a very good project, and we want to get it done.’”
The new center is located at 161 Road Camp Road in Ruston, nearer to Interstate 20 than the building used previously.
Kostelka said, “This is good for the whole of North Louisiana, all up and down I-20, because of the communications and the quicker access... and the catastrophes we can avert by being here.”
“Today’s a great day,” said Gary Bennett, vice president of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. “It’s a great day for the law enforcement community. It’s a great day for the homeland security community. And it’s a great day for the citizens of Lincoln Parish. You all have a facility that you can be very proud of.”
