The Town of Sahuarita officially broke ground today on a major expansion of the Sahuarita Police Department facility—an approximately $7 million project that will modernize police operations, support officer wellness and training, and strengthen public safety for the growing community.

Mayor Tom Murphy, Police Chief John Noland, members of the Sahuarita Town Council, and project partners from Concord and Shive-Hattery gathered with SPD to celebrate the milestone.

“This project represents more than bricks, beams, and blueprints,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “It represents our continued investment in safety, service, and trust. As we turn the soil today, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of public safety in Sahuarita.”

The expansion will add significant new capabilities to the police department, driven by identified needs and future growth projections:

• Property and Evidence Warehouse: A modernized facility designed to meet ALEAP standards and improve evidence handling and storage.
• Crime Scene Services Laboratory: Enhancing SPD’s forensic capabilities and providing improved support for investigations handled by Crime Scene Specialists.
• Expanded Secure Parking Lot & New West Gate Entry: Improving safety, convenience, and long-term operational capacity for the department.
• New Annex Building:
  • A larger Training Room to support more frequent and efficient training.
  • A fully equipped Gym to promote officer wellness, reduce stress, and support long-term health for Town employees.
  • A dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC)—an updated, consolidated hub for coordinating emergency response to better serve the community.
• Interior Expansion of Existing SPD Building: Additional workspace for Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene staff, and administrative offices.
• Solar Canopy System: Designed to reduce energy costs, support potential solar backup options, and extend vehicle lifespans by providing shaded parking.

Chief Noland highlighted the long-term value of the project for both operations and personnel.

“This expansion demonstrates the Town’s commitment to supporting the Police Department and investing in the resources we need to serve Sahuarita,” Noland said. “The added space, modernization, and wellness features will improve our ability to deliver high-quality service, strengthen recruitment and retention, and provide our team with the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

Mayor Murphy thanked the Town Council, Town staff, and project partners for their leadership and support in bringing the project to this point.

“Each person here helped make this project possible. This is a shared investment in Sahuarita’s future,” he said. “To our officers: thank you for your dedication. To our partners: thank you for helping us build a safer, stronger, and more connected Sahuarita.”