MILFORD, Del. - After several years of planning and drawing support from the community, the new Milford Police Department building is finally open.
The new station will cost the city over $17 million to be paid for with a 40-year increase in taxes. Today the Milford has 37 officers and a population of over 12,000 people. The original police station across the street was built in 1979 with only 18 officers in mind.
A referendum for the new police station passed in January 2021 after much debate.
"I think we tried three times and finally the fourth time we passed it, so for the police officers in Milford, very grateful." said Milford Mayor Archie Campbell.
The new facility is 24,273 square feet, includes updated technology and room for future growth. Chief Cecilia Ashe of the Milford police says amenities in the new building will be open to the public as well,
"We have a state-of-the-art kitchen, we have a state-of-the-art fitness center that we really hope that the civilians (staff) use, that the officers use, and we encourage them to use that."
There will be more tours going on at the new Milford Police Department tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.