Muskogee County has announced a new public safety complex
A public safety complex valued at $27.8 million has been announced as the Bass Reed Memorial Public Safety Complex reported 2 News Oklahoma. Measuring 60 thousand square feet the complex is near 6th Street and Columbus will combine together fire, police and ambulance services reported 2 News Oklahoma. This new feature is funded by a sales tax which was approved in January to better the county. Allowing fire, ambulance and police to join together means issues can be resolved efficiently with all services present and the jobs can be assigned.
Brock Moore has lived in Muskogee his whole life and has worked in a music store within this area for the past two years, says 2 News Oklahoma. Moore outlines how they are doing what they can to prevent thieves from entering and committing crimes within the store. Moore says, “Working at a music store, I feel like things could get safer for an environment where we could have a bigger music scene,” reported 2 News Oklahoma. Moore continues that he loves the location and thinks it will benefit the city, adding that recently there has been an increase in the amount of crimes according to 2 News Oklahoma. “I think it’s going to be a great thing for Muskogee’s faster response times and things of that nature,” continued Moore from 2 News Oklahoma.
The Executive Director of the Muskogee County EMS, Laurel Havens was questioned if this new public safety complex would reduce the amount of crimes seen. Havens reported that, “It will allow us to respond to it more efficiently and better equipped,” reported 2 News Oklahoma. In total this project will take approximately two and a half years to finish.
Muskogee Phoenix posted updates on what the new vote will allow to provide via the Oklahoma State Election Board. The approved sale taxes will approve a joint facility, as mentioned. Also, a New Muskogee fire station on York Street with renovations to other Muskogee fire stations as well, with five new fire trucks according to Muskogee Phoenix. Furthermore, new vehicles, radios and equipment for Muskogee Police, Fire and the County Sheriff’s will be provided. The emergency ambulance will be run at no extra cost for the patients living in the area. There will be new radios for volunteer fire departments within the county.
County Commissioner Kenny Payne, working in District 3, told Fox23 News, “I supported this project and once I saw its impact on public safety and service for all of Muskogee County, including the City of Muskogee. With over 66,000 residents, my property as commissioner is every community. This project ensures we maximize resources to strengthen emergency response and benefit the entire country.” Muskogee Chief of Police Johnny Teehee outlined the background behind the facility’s name, “When voters approved this once-in-a-generation facility, it was the perfect opportunity to honor our city’s history. Bass Reeves was a bold and fearless lawman whose impact on law enforcement is undeniable. His service before statehood and his final years with the Muskogee Police Department make this tribute especially fitting. Naming this facility in his honor is a meaningful way to recognize his lasting legacy,” reported Fox23 News. U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves has a legacy deep within the Muskogee history of public service. His influence helped shape the beginnings of law enforcement within this area, creating the way for the Muskogee Sheriff’s office, Muskogee Police Department and other first aid responders who will reside in this building and continue to serve Oklahomans today reported Tulsa Today.
The complex will aim to “enhance emergency response times, reduce costs, and modernize aging facilities for first responders throughout the County” reports Tulsa Today. As a result of its central location, these aspects are expected to improve rapidly providing improved services to members of the community. The facility will also include more bay areas, storage facilities, classrooms and administrative offices according to Tulsa Today. The project was funded by a $0.849 sales tax approved by county voters back in January 2025 to improve their need for public safety reports Tulsa World. Similar safety complexes will appear in Haskell, Warner and Fort Gibson. Fire Chief Jody L. Moore wrote “The future of first responders will be forever changed by the public safety tax. Long overdue equipment needs will be fulfilled, ensuring better resources for emergency services, and taxpayers will directly benefit from these critical investments” reported Tulsa Today.
