Impressed with new Arlington Heights police facility

We wish to thank the Arlington Heights Police Department. On March 16, we were among the many citizens given a comprehensive tour of the new, 70,500-square-foot Arlington Heights police station. It is a marvel of planning and technology. Among the many striking features are:

• A training simulator providing hundreds of scenarios for officers to encounter and react to.

• A state-of-the-art firing range to prepare officers for infrequent but vital situations.

• A real-time computer screen identifying current police activity in all surrounding communities.

• A complete fitness center for the women and men of the police force.

• A forensics facility capable of examining, recording and isolating any materials encountered in police activities.

• Efficient and equipped work stations for current and future department requirements.

• Transportation vehicles for any potential need.

• Around the clock canine support.

The training simulator and fitness room were purchased using seizure funds, not taxpayer dollars. In addition, throughout the building, 30,000 linear feet of beautiful reclaimed ash has been incorporated, using the logs of hundreds of ash trees cut down within the village.

After an hour and a half, we came away with an appreciation of the sophistication of the facility, the breadth of the training and the quality of the personnel. Perhaps most important, we came away feeling safe.

Rose and Jim Osebold

Arlington Heights