Local and state officials joined law enforcement April 7 to kick off the start of construction on a new Maryland State Police (MSP) barrack in the Worchester County town of Berlin.
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller joined the Maryland Department of General Services and the Department of State Police, as well as many local officials, to take part in the groundbreaking for the new Berlin Barrack V, according to the Ocean City Dispatch.
The building's construction is expected to be complete in July 2024.
"This $26.8 million dollar facility is a significant achievement for the Eastern Shore and the state, reflecting the steadfast dedication we have to protecting our citizens," Miller remarked. "This new barrack will allow our troopers to better meet the needs of the public."
By replacing the existing state police facility, which was built in 1976, the new building will modernize the law enforcement department in the small southeastern Maryland community by installing new technology and updating equipment. When finished, the barrack will encompass 24,000 sq. ft. of space, and include a new laboratory, and an additional 4,400-sq. ft. garage. The lab space will be expanded to become the Forensic Sciences Division-Berlin.
"The new Berlin Barrack will provide road patrol troopers, criminal investigators, and civilian support staff with a modern, state-of-the-art facility on the Eastern Shore," Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. said at the ceremony. "As we break ground to commence the replacement of a barrack that has served us well for almost half a century, I am excited about the additional space and upgraded infrastructure which will ultimately enhance the quality [of] law enforcement services we provide to the citizens of Worcester County."
The barrack's design is in compliance with the International Green Construction Code to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability goals as outlined by the Maryland Department of General Services. The building will be equipped with LED lighting and occupancy sensors as well as an efficient variable refrigerant volume HVAC system with dedicated outdoor air supply units, which utilize heat recovery. In addition, the barrack, laboratory, and garage will all be ADA compliant.
"We are extremely excited to be building a second MSP barrack within the last two years," said General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry. "Two years ago, we built a barrack in western Maryland, [and] this year we're building one on the Eastern Shore. The department continues to do great service across the state."
Troopers Deserve New Barrack
During the ceremony, Lt. Earl Starner, commander of Berlin Barrack V, introduced the variety of law enforcement representatives present who served the public from the facility through the decades.
"Today, the men and women of the Berlin barrack continue to uphold our incredible legacy," he added. "Every single night, our troopers work hard to keep our highways safe and protect our citizens."
The Ocean City news source reported that Starner recounted a few of the recent accidents and calls for service that troopers responded to, and highlighted examples of their selfless volunteering within the local community.
"From a heroic act like apprehending a dangerous criminal to a simple act of kindness like taking a child shopping or changing someone's tire, the men and women of the Berlin barrack do it all," he explained. "I could continue talking all day describing the incredible work, how the Berlin barrack is always there to answer the call for help."
Starner also noted that while the 47-year-old barrack building had served officers well, it was time for an updated facility.
"I look forward to the enhanced security measures, the updated technology, more space, improved working conditions and, after being tucked away behind the woods for so long, I can't wait to see this beautiful [and] impressive building [take] center stage on U.S. Highway 50 for all to see and use," he said.
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