Murphy – Sunny skies and warm temperatures set the perfect background for the Murphy Police Department’s open house Thursday morning.
About 35 people attended the event, which included the presentation of a U.S. flag to Police Chief Tim Lominac by Lake Silver, western field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). The flag was flown over the U.S. Capital on Aug. 31, 2023, in honor of the Murphy Police Department, which now works from 498 Hill St.
The flag was then raised in a ceremony presented by Richard LeCount, who was leading the detail, and members of American Legion Honor Guard Post 96. Officers and their supervisors were joyful over receiving the new clean and updated building fit with many law enforcement amenities.
“The new office was a joint effort from the mayor, town manager, city council and chief of police to make it happen,” said Jon Avery, administrative assistant.
The station was designed to house a reception area, a few large offices, a kitchen, large training room, two interview rooms and a secured armory. There is an evidence room that once was a former bank vault, restrooms and a gym, with equipment donated by generous local residents.
There is also space available for Community Cares, a partnership with Western Carolina University designed to assist with homelessness issues, such as finding housing and medical needs, which most law enforcement officers are not trained nor equipped to deal with.
“The purpose is to free our time dealing with issues we are not able to address, where it will allow us to focus on more law enforcement-related efforts,” Lominac said of the program. “It has been very successful in Sylva.”
During the open house, Lominac proudly presented Sgt. Adam May with an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate for his years of experience and training hours.
The Murphy Police Department consists of Lominac, Assistant Chief Ryan Cunningham, a detective, seven patrol officers and an administrative assistant. In addition, the department is sponsoring Sara Taylor and Brayden Snow through the law enforcement academy with the hopes of welcoming two new officers onto the force once their training is complete.
“We’re blessed to have not only the quality of officers that we do, but to be able to show them that the town council, the mayor and just everybody in the community supports and backs them. It’s a huge upgrade for us,” Cunningham said.
Coffee and donuts – of course – were available to those in attendance, as well as a guided tour of the new station. When once visitor asked about the choice of donuts, Lominac chuckled and said with a laugh that it was a fitting culinary choice for a law enforcement event.
Lominac thanked everyone who played a part in bringing the endeavor to fruition, with special thanks to Silver, the town council, mayor and town manager.”
“Without their support,” he said. “none of this could have been possible today.”