North Augusta unveils $25M Public Safety Headquarters

North Augusta celebrated the opening of its new Public Safety headquarters on March 21. The $25 million facility is seen as a major improvement for the community. Mayor Briton Williams called it "a game-changer" and highlighted the poor conditions of the former headquarters. The new building, located at the corner of Georgia and Observatory avenues, is now home to 110 personnel. They started working in the building earlier this month. A ceremony attracted around 200 attendees who witnessed the ribbon cutting and raised the flag. The construction of the new headquarters took two years, completing ahead of schedule. It was funded by a penny sales tax, despite the final cost being much higher than the initial estimate. The spokesperson for North Augusta's Public Safety, Lt. Chris Lind, noted the design allows the agency to expand its capabilities. The new facility features a larger evidence room, a crime lab, and a fully-equipped Emergency Operations Center that serves as a training space. The upgrades improve coordination during emergencies and allow for collaboration with other agencies. A memorial garden outside honors fallen NADPS Officer Dustin Beasley, who died in 2021. Historical photographs decorate the building, connecting the new facility with the agency's past. The newly combined headquarters signifies a new chapter for North Augusta's public safety efforts.