For those standing on S. Washington Street, the dream of seeing a new home for the Ardmore Police Department become a reality was cause for celebration.
A ceremonial groundbreaking with city, county and Chickasaw leaders and dignitaries took place on Monday morning at the future home of the police department. The project, which is funded by the GAPS Tax, is projected to be completed between November 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
“This moment marks more than the start of a construction project,” Ardmore Police Chief David Houser said. “But it represents progress, commitment and a shared vision for the future of our community. The building that will occupy this ground will stand as a symbol of trust, accountability and service.”
Houser thanked the stakeholders who were present for the groundbreaking. He said the vision and the support for the project will ensure officers and staff have the tools and environment they need to do their jobs with professionalism, performance and pride. He described the department as an investment in a safer, stronger community.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the people of this community because you are the foundation of this department and this event is an extension of the bond between the Ardmore Police Department and you,” Houser said. The city commission has talked about the project for several years, City Manager Kevin Boatright said. He thanked the citizens of Ardmore for providing the resources for the project.
“Your voice and your support and your investment in the well-being and safety of Ardmore is what makes this progress possible,” he said. “It was just a short time ago that the GAPS Tax, which goes for fire, police capital and infrastructure, came up for renewal and it had to go to a vote of the citizens.”
Boatright said without the support, no one would have been there Monday. Among the highlights for the department will be a safe space for dispatchers to work during severe weather. When storms hit, there is not a safe space for all emergency dispatchers to work. The Crime Scene Investigations unit will have a space which meets today’s standards as well.
The current department, which is located on the second floor of City Hall, also does not have locker rooms for the officers. As a result, they have no place to change out of their uniforms, which can get soiled and dirty in the course of a shift.
“To our police officers and staff, thank you for the work that you do each and every day,” he said. “You are the heart of this department. You work tirelessly to keep these neighborhoods and our businesses safe. Often without any thanks and recognition. This facility is a reflection of the respect and gratitude that we hold for you.”
Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby said it takes ingenuity, a lot of planning and a lot of talent to make projects such as the new department happen. He said those qualities are present in the community with the leaders and people working on the project and focused on making it a better place.
“A lot of people don’t know what a challenge it is to be a policeman,” he said. “A lot of people take it for granted sometimes that you make the telephone call or you ask for help, and they are there when you need them. There is a lot that goes on in the background. I think most people, they really don’t think about that when they make the phone call or ask for that help.
“They do it out of need, they need someone to help them in that moment. And first of all, it is important for us to recognize the importance of the police force and all the people who are in it. They are people too. You need to be able to take care of their needs for them in order for them to do the job that they are charged with. We should raise up our police force.”
Anoatubby also talked about the partnership between the Chickasaw Nation and Ardmore and the growth of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police and its working relationship with Ardmore and county law enforcement.
“We are serving the community together and in order to make it possible, make it work the way it should work, we need cooperation,” he said. “And, believe me, it comes in this community.”
Additional speakers included representatives from Dewberry Engineering, Miller-Tippens Construction, along with Assistant City Manager Kevin Norris and Community Resource Officer Michael Castanos, who offered a blessing.
Mayor John Credle said the new police department represents more than bricks and mortar. It represents an investment in the men and women who wear the badge and put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve.
“It represents a safe, modern and efficient place where our officers can do their best work for the people of Ardmore and it represents our promise to build a stronger, safer community for the generations to come,” Credle said.
