A countdown begun in October of 2022 finishes Wednesday with the dedication of the new Branson Public Safety Building.
Several hundred people attended the dedication at the site that was most recently the White House Theater. It was in 2022 that a suggestion by Ward III Alderman Ralph LeBlanc to use that building for a much needed public safety building led to the closing of the property that fall, then the design and refurbishing of the facility.
Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt thanked all those involved in the development of the plan and renovation stating that all departments contributed to the project, helping the building come in almost $1 million under budget. Schmitt also stated the response time would improve for the central and western sections of the city with the the Police Headquarters now more centrally located. Schmitt added that equipment is on hand to better process evidence for a variety of crimes.
LeBlanc also spoke during the ceremony as did Mayor Larry Milton, making his first public appearance since his spinal injury in July. Milton echoed the thoughts of LeBlanc and Schmitt in stating the city was overdue for a new facility.
Besides the Police Department, the building will also house Administrative Offices for Branson Fire and Rescue.
Videos from the ceremony can be seen on the Facebook page of The Upside with Josh and Them.
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