The Denver Police Department, along with Mayor Mike Johnston and Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, cut the ribbon on the new District Five police station on Friday, expanding upon the existing 911 Communications Center there.

The new District Five station is located at 12025 E. 45th Ave. in the Montbello neighborhood. The previous station — built in 1997 — was 180% over capacity when the Elevate Denver Bond made it to the ballot in 2017.

Denver voters approved the bond, providing the approximately $19 million for the new building.

“We know that it’s paramount for our neighborhood security and safety, and all of Denver’s security and safety, that we are moving into the 21st century around how we address the needs of our community,” Gilmore said. “That means we have the proper accommodations for our 911 call center facility and our police so that they can go out and serve the community in the best way possible.”

The addition to the 911 Communications Center will provide District Five officers with secure prisoner transportation, holding cells and space for evidence collection and analyzation, according to a press release by the Denver Police Department.

“I began my leadership career here at DPD. This day has been a long time coming,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said, reminiscing on his start as a commander in District Five. “I think this is really a gift to this community. … I really think that the amenities that are going to be available to these officers inside of this building are really going to be an honor to their sacrifice.”

“This is a great opportunity to diversify and recruit community leaders who see themselves as officers serving the public long term to know they can come right down the street, right down the block, to a place where they can serve,” Johnston said.