Report on the 1996 Bond Referendum Projects

Public Safety

Chesterfield County’s Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Emergency Communications Center and Sheriff’s Office are on the front lines providing public safety for the county’s citizens. With the goal of being the “safest, most secure” community of it’s size in the United States, staff members from these departments are involved in community policing, increasing citizen awareness of crime and fire prevention, relentlessly pursuing investigations to ensure arrests, patrolling streets, responding promptly and professionally in times of emergencies, and housing those confined by the courts. In 1996, citizens expressed their support of this goal by voting YES on the ballot for issuing public safety bonds.  Bond funding, supplemented with general fund revenues, has allowed the county to deliver public safety projects.  While some projects are completed, others are underway in various phases of progress.

Emergency Communications System - $31.24 million

The Chesterfield County Emergency Communications Center (CECC) is the public safety answering point for Chesterfield County. The center is equipped with a computer aided dispatch system (CADS), 800-MHz trunked radio system and enhanced 9-1-1 telephone system. The CAD system computer enables the automation of information to expedite communications between the public and field units (Police, Fire and E.M.S.).  The new 20-channel, 800 MHz digital SmartZone radio system is designed to be interoperable between Chesterfield County, Henrico County, the City of Colonial Heights, and the City of Richmond.  The new SmartZone system currently serves all of the county public safety agencies and building officials, and is sized for future growth.  This interoperable system is one of only a few like it in the country.  With the digital enhancement, the system offers the Police Department a more secure radio system.

Centralia Fire Station - $3.55 million

The new 13,135 square foot, three-bay station has been completed and is staffed by a complement of 15 firefighters, two lieutenants, and a captain.  The staff is divided among three shifts.  These personnel staff an engine and an ambulance on a 24-hour basis.  Fire station #17 is located at the old Kingsland Elementary School site in the Bermuda District and generally serves the communities of Bellwood, Courthouse, and Bensley.

Winterpock Fire Station - $4.08 million

Construction of this new two-bay station located in the Matoaca District was initiated in August 2001 and was completed in October 2002. Fire station #19 is currently staffed by 15 firefighters, 2 lieutenants, and 1 captain to be divided among three shifts.  The station will expand fire and emergency medical service coverage in the southwestern area of the county thus improving response times in a growing area.

Rivers Bend Fire Station - $3.90 million

A new site for this two-bay station was approved for purchase in January 2002. Currently in the design phase, opening is scheduled for February of 2004.  Once constructed, fire station #18 will be staffed by a complement of 15 firefighters, 2 lieutenants, and a captain.  The staff will be divided among three shifts. The station is intended to serve the Enon and Rivers Bend areas, and provide coverage for the developing Meadowville area.

Courthouse Fire Station - $3.90 million

This new two-bay station located on Courthouse Road just south of Reams Road is scheduled for opening in the Fall of 2004.  Once constructed, fire station #20 will be staffed by 15 firefighters, 2 lieutenants, and one captain to staff a pumper and an ambulance.  This staffing will be divided among three shifts. The facility will primarily serve the communities of Reams, Gordon, and Midlothian.

• Report on the 1996 Referendum Projects
• Overview
• Schools
• Public Safety
• Libraries
• Parks and Recreation