New police station to fully go live today

Officers reminisce about history of Market St. station

August 24, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated August 24, 2012 at 6:00 a.m.

Major Roger Rice's office in the new police station is nearly double the size of his former one. Originally built in the 1930s, the Market Street station served FPD since 1968.
Major Roger Rice's office in the new police station is nearly double the size of his former one. Originally built in the 1930s, the Market Street station served FPD since 1968.

Fulton's Finest will officially have a new place to call home for the first time in 44 years this afternoon.

Following the removal of the last few pieces of furniture and equipment, the police department will lock doors and lower the flags of the Market Street station 4 p.m. today, and following a brief transition will fully open the new station, the former Callaway Electric Cooperative building at 503 Truman Road, by 5. Emergency calls and street patrol will remain active during that time.

FPD moved into the Market Street building in 1968, which was originally built as a car dealership in the 1930s. For deputy chief Major Roger Rice, the move is bittersweet.

"I've been there the longest, (for) about 35 years. That other building is home, so (the move) is kind of hard. It was kind of tough making the change over here, but once I got over here (I saw) it's a nice place."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.