WEST HAZLETON -- It's been four years in the making, but the West Hazleton Police Department has finally moved to a new location in the borough.
"The residents can't complain. It's beautiful. It's easy to get to. It's right out here on Broad Street," said Frank Schmidt, the mayor of West Hazleton.
The officers used to work out of a building on South 4th Street, but they needed more space and newer technology. That's why they drafted a plan to move East Broad Street, but the chief said it wasn't easy.
"Halfway through the project we ran out of money, we didn't have money to complete the project. Our council stepped right up to the plate and said we'll take out a loan and fund the rest of the project," said Brian Buglio, Chief of West Hazleton Police.
The police chief said this new building is great for the West Hazleton community because it sits right on Broad Street, accessible to the public. He also said it's great because now anybody can come through the doors.
"We're handicap accessible now. People can come right into the station, we have a waiting area now for them. We have a dedicated interview room, a locker room," said Chief Buglio.
Government grants paid for some the new building and to save some money, students from Keystone Job Corps in Drums helped do some of the construction work.
Some business owners on Broad Street said it's nice to have the cops so close, like the owner of Grab-N-Go Hoagies, Gary Isaac.
"Knowing they're right down the street, you don't even have to call 911, you can just yell!"
With the new space and council support the chief hopes to hire one new full-time officer and three part-timers.
Click here to watch a funny blooper of Newswatch 16's Jackie De Tore while she was putting together this report.