Police Station Officially Opens Its Doors
By Robin Vinci at December 13, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Print
Some time before 6 a.m. Thursday morning policemen officially began police operations in the new police station on the corner of Main and Chestnut Street.
On Sunday over 100 people gathered at the community room of the new police department to cut a ribbon and talk about what the new station meant to the City.
“This building and this room belongs to you - the people of New Britain,” said Police Chief James Wardwell. “I hope this is the first of many occasions we see this room filled with members of the community to discuss issues important to the City or to just gather and celebrate an event.”
Wardwell said the location at 10 Chestnut St. brings the police department into the heart of the City right where it belongs. It was previously located at 25 Columbus Boulevard.
“This is truly an historic day for the City of New Britain and the New Britain Police Department,” said Wardwell. “Here we are marveling at cutting edge technology.”
He said the facility was very far beyond the curve just like the men and women of the New Britain Police Department.
”Our officers have a history of innovation and being on the cutting edge,” Wardwell said. “This new police headquarters reflects the professionalism, pioneering attitude and commitment to the community that every police officer brings to the job every single day.”
The project began under Mayor Tim Stewart and was fought against by various Democratic Councilmen including former Alderman Phil Sherwood.
Mayor Lucian Pawlak began a building committee in 2001, but wanted the police station at another site in the City.
Mayor Tim O’Brien said Sunday that in order for New Britain to succeed it needed a strong and vital urban center in and near downtown.
“Building a strong City center means having a great forward thinking plan,” said O’Brien.
“As a long time resident of this fine City, I have seen the City going through good times and bad times,” said Emmanuel Reyes, a member of the board of police commissioners. “I see this facility as a brighter future for our City.”
Board of Police Commissioner Susan McKinley said the dedication of the officers and the work they do is impressive.
“This building project spanned two administrations and so many people deserve thanks,” said Mark Fortin, head of the building committee. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it.’
Fortin read comments from a list of people involved in the project including Kaestle Boos (architect); Mark Moriarty (public works director); and Gerry Amodio (former building committee member).
Wardwell said part of the city’s vision was to have the building be a training hub in the state.
“I think we are gong to see that strong impact,” Wardwell added.
Throughout the ceremony images were shown on a screen in the background of the police station from its early days on Commercial Street to Columbus Boulevard to the present station.
