OPD Opens New Public Safety Building

Police Chief Dan Birbeck ushered in a new era for the Olney Police Department by dedicating the new public safety building.

Dozens of community members and media gathered to watch Chief Birbeck, Mayor Rue Rogers, and Police Detective Autumn Thames cut the ribbon to officially open the new station at 210 S. Grand Ave.

“This new public safety facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together, not for recognition or reward, but out of a shared commitment to something greater than themselves,” he said.

“And I’m proud to say that this entire project was made possible without the use of taxpayer dollars. Every wall, wire, and window was funded through donations from generous community partners who gave quietly, faithfully, and from the heart.”

Chief Birbeck recognized the Perry Foundation and Olney Development, which donated a large portion of the funds used to turn the former Ranger College building into a police station.

Chief Birbeck also commended Tower Extrusions President Mark McClelland and his team “who also made the project a reality,” Reid Miller, who headed the all-volunteer construction crew, and former Olney Police Sgt. Dustin Hudson, who “helped ... shape the blueprint of what now stands behind me,” Chief Birbeck said.

Chief Birbeck assured the community that every donation, large and small, played an important part in making the new station a reality.

The new police station boasts a state-ofthe- art evidence management and storage system, updated infrastructure, modern workspaces, and individual offices for each of the department’s officers.

“We can now offer an environment that promotes retention, satisfaction, and excellence in service,” Chief Birbeck said.

The new police station, dubbed the Perry Public Safety Building, is adjacent to the Olney Civic Center, which allows the police station to serve as a training facility, community gathering space, emergency shelter, and command center in times of crisis, he said.

Mayor Rue Rogers congratulated Chief Birbeck in organizing the push to build and open “one of the finest police facilities in the area ... an upgrade that was long overdue.”

“When the Council hired him back in 2020, our department was in need of strong leadership, someone who could rebuild trust, restore reputation and set a higher standard. Chief Birbeck has done all that and more,” Mayor Rogers said.

“This facility is a testament to that leadership and also the unwavering support of our commudiscuss nity.”