Police department expansion opens

After a month-long delay, the $1.3 million expansion is finally opened.

A month after the originally planned date, the official grand opening of the expansion to the police department’s Public Safety building has finally happened.

The $1.3 million expansion includes a police officer training facility and state-of-the-art Emergency Operation Center (EOC).

“Now [police officers] have offices, room to work and the tools they need,” said Police Chief Larry Muncey. “And now, we’re giving them the training they need.”

The county’s main EOC is in Huntsville. The one in Madison will serve as a secondary location, which Muncey said most cities do not have.

The EOC was broken in the week of the April 27 storms when it had to be used to support the Madison County EMA.

“Exactly one month ago, we were here fighting tornadoes, and today, we’re opening up a first-class facility for the citizens of Madison,” Muncey said.

Furnishings for the EOC, which includes desks, electronics and screens, were completely funded by donations.

Mayor Paul Finley applauded Madison citizens for stepping up in support of the expansion.

“You have your needs and wants, this was a need,” said Mayor Paul Finley, ‘but after April 27, this turned into a need.”

Muncey also thanked the citizens. He said none of this would have been possible if they hadn’t stepped up to the plate.