Tarleton Police Ribbon Cutting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas— Naturally, doughnuts were served at this morning’s grand opening of new offices for Tarleton State University’s Police Department.
It is a police station, after all.
More than 100 community and university dignitaries were on hand when Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio and Police Chief Matt Welch cut the ribbon, including former state Senator and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief—a Tarleton alumnus—and Stephenville Mayor Kenny Weldon, commandant of the Texan Corps of Cadets and senior director of strategic studies.
The department’s recently renovated home, formerly a Stephenville fire station, was christened with remarks from Dr. Dottavio, Vice President for Student Life Dr. Laura Boren and Welch.
“This building emphasizes how vital the police department is to this university,” Dottavio said. “The exemplary service you provide is going to be even better because you now have a world-class facility from which to operate.”
Boren noted that the department is part of the Division of Student Affairs, recognizing the university’s student focus. Officers ensure safety and security at all university events, educate and mentor students, “and occasionally hold them accountable.”
Welch sees significance in the new headquarters being at the busy northwest intersection of Frey and Harbin streets.
“Getting this facility done required a lot of support,” he said, thanking the administration. “We didn’t get tucked away in a corner. You put us somewhere prominent.”
Renovations for the 4,300-square-foot facility started just over a year ago and included repurposing space to provide conference rooms, evidence and file storage, and offices for police and parking administration.
The opening comes as the department celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues Tarleton’s centennial as founding member of The Texas A&M University System.
This is the first time the department has had its own building. It previously shared office and administrative areas in various locations on campus.
Tarleton, celebrating 100 years as founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. As a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) with campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, leadership, excellence and service.
Contact: Phil Riddle, Editorial & Creative Services Specialist
254-968-9577
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