In a unique journey through time and space, Gilpin County Commissioners Susan Berumen, Sandy Hollingsworth, and Marie A. Mornis, accompanied by County Manager Ray Rears, recently embarked on a tour of the Black Hawk Police Dispatch and Station on January 16, 2024. The station, situated at 221 Church Street, unfolds a fascinating tale of transformation, preservation, and the integration of modern functionalities into a historical landmark.

During the recent tour, the commissioners were greeted by a plaque outside the Police Department, shedding light on the rich history of the structure.

The Police Headquarters, housed in a building with roots dating back to 1870, was originally the Black Hawk School House, constructed at a cost of $14,000. For almost a century, the building served as an educational institution for Black Hawk children, witnessing generations climb its long staircase from Selak Street. However, in 1960, the school closed its doors, remaining vacant until 1994, when a significant revitalization effort took place to repurpose it as the Black Hawk Police Department.

The $1.4 million remodel project, explained Commander Troy Cooper, focused on optimizing the available space and enhancing the department’s facilities. Notable improvements include a separate and secure holding room with an attached bathroom in the booking area. This modification addresses a previous inconvenience where officers had to escort offenders down the hall to access a bathroom.

Commander Cooper guided the commissioners through various sections of the renovated building. The drug processing room, equipped with a fentanyl ventilator and a state-of-the-art drug testing device, showcased the department’s commitment to staying ahead in law enforcement technology. Cooper mentioned that they secured a grant to cover the cost of the device, exceeding $20,000.

The dispatch room, adorned with multiple monitors and screens, illustrated the city’s extensive emergency response capabilities. Upstairs, the detective offices and officer cubicles offered a glimpse into the working spaces of the dedicated police force.

While the Black Hawk Police Department moved into the building in 1995, the historical constraints imposed on the renovations allowed for the preservation of certain original elements. “We tried as best we could to preserve some of the original features. There is an original doorway with original glass, as well as the old blackboards throughout the building,” shared Cooper.

The tour also unveiled the department’s collaboration with Gilpin County Jail, Jefferson County, and Clear Creek for the booking and transportation of offenders. Currently, the department has two detectives, with plans to expand to a third in the near future. Narcan kits are strategically placed in the hallway to address accidental exposures.

The original school house windows look out over a serene view of the City of Black Hawk. Janet Dennehy, Administrative Assistant to the Chief, shared stories of paranormal encounters within the building, including footsteps in the hallway and doors that mysteriously open. Allegedly, a school girl fell to her death over the hill where the station is located.

However, Commander Cooper reassured all present that the ghosts seemed to have departed with the latest renovation, as no more strange events have been reported.

In a poignant tribute, a plaque in the foyer commemorates Robert A. Clark, the first and only City Marshal of Black Hawk, killed in the line of duty in 1869. His pursuit of two criminals near Dora’s Ranch ended tragically, and his funeral remains etched in history as one of the most widely attended funerals ever held in Gilpin County.

The tour not only highlighted the strides in modernizing law enforcement facilities but also showcased a deep respect for the historical roots embedded in the Black Hawk Police Dispatch Center. As the building continues to serve the community, its walls resonate with echoes of the past and the commitment to a safer future.

To find out more about the Black Hawk Police Department, visit https:// www.cityofblackhawk.org/policedepartment.