Celina Police Chief John Cullison recently showcased the city’s new state-of-the-art police headquarters, a $37 million facility designed to accommodate the rapid growth of Celina, the fastest-growing city in the U.S. The new public safety campus, located at Punk Carter Parkway and Coit Road, represents the city’s largest infrastructure project to date.
Funded through voter-approved bonds and city funds, the facility marks a significant departure from the old downtown headquarters, which was housed in a former church. The new building, set to eventually expand to 75,000 square feet, includes features designed to withstand an EF-5 tornado and incorporates advanced security measures, natural light, wood accents, and unique live moss wall art depicting the city’s water tower and the department’s Longhorn logo.
Chief Cullison expressed his satisfaction with the project. “It feels great. It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “You want your staff and officers to have a place they can work from and be proud of.” The facility’s design emphasizes officer wellness, with amenities such as large indoor and outdoor gyms, a private courtyard with picnic tables and lounge chairs, and a dedicated therapy K-9 named Darth.
This new headquarters is just the first phase of a broader master plan for the property. Future developments include the construction of Celina Fire Station 4, a new dispatch center, a shooting range, and a new jail facility. The city also aims to establish a ‘safety town’ for public safety education, particularly for children.
With Celina’s population expected to grow by approximately 10,000 people annually, the demand for police services is increasing. Online crime statistics indicate a rise in incidents since before the pandemic, with the department responding to 938 calls this year alone. The most common types of incidents have involved drugs, thefts, and burglaries. Chief Cullison anticipates that the city will surpass the 2023 total of 1,160 police incidents.
Reflecting on the project, Chief Cullison shared his pride and commitment to the community. “Three years of hard work,” he said, becoming emotional. “I didn’t want to let anybody down. I want our city to be proud of us and to see what we’re about. Celina is a city ‘connected,’ and we’re going to be good at it.”
The unveiling of the new headquarters marks a significant milestone for Celina as it continues to grow and adapt to the needs of its expanding population.
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