FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A ribbon cutting took place Wednesday for the Fresno Police Department’s new Northwest station on Shaw.
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by City Manager Wilma Quan Schecter, Police Chief Jerry Dyer, Council President Esmeralda Soria, Council Members Luis Chavez, Steve Brandau, Paul Capriolo and developer Nick Zinkin.
Citing the positive impact that the station would have on the community with “all the latest technology and security features that a modern police force requires,” Mayor Brand said: “It’s great to finally have a Northwest district station that’s located in Northwest Fresno.”
The mayor said it’s “a very challenging time for the PD” and that Chief Dyer “deserves our thanks.” Mayor Brand says he’s committed to making sure officers have the resources “to protect our families and neighborhoods.”
Chief Dyer invited a young would-be officer from the crowd to come up to the podium during the ceremony.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says the 80 officers from the old location have transferred to the new location, in the northwest corner of Shaw and Marks,
The new site in the north section of the Winepress Shopping Center at 3080 W. Shaw replaces the old police station at Dakota and Hughes.
Chief Dyer says there are many benefits for residents in the area as officers will now be out patrolling and providing a quicker response for calls in the neighborhoods on both sides of Shaw.
The 10,200 square foot building has a community meeting center that is open to the public for meetings.
The Central California Blood Center, the March of Dimes and Big Brothers/Big Sisters were also on hand as partners with FPD in the community.
District Captain Burke Farrah says community members “came out in droves for the ribbon cutting,” and he hopes to see groups utilize the space for their meetings.
Captain Farrah says call him at 621-6500 or call Community Service Officer Maeketah Rivera at 621-6530 to schedule your community meeting.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
