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Fuquay Varina police recognize officers for advanced training; board awards $117,780 needs‑assessment contract
Summary
The town recognized three officers for advanced law‑enforcement credentials and approved a $117,780 contract with Curry Engineering for a police department needs assessment and feasibility study; staff said results will take 6–9 months and construction (if pursued) would be years away.
The Fuquay Varina Police Department recognized officers this week for professional development while the Town Board approved a contract to study long‑term departmental space needs.
Police Chief Smith presented three staff honors: Sergeant Philip Wallinger and Master Officer Seth Crompton earned advanced law enforcement certificates that require extensive training and a points system; Sergeant Earl Williams III received the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LIDA) trilogy award, a leadership program made up of three executive courses; and Wallinger also completed the North Carolina Justice Academy’s traffic crash and reconstruction certificate program, which Chief Smith said covers advanced crash investigation and reconstruction.
"These gentlemen have put in the time, the hard work, and the effort," Chief Smith said, congratulating the officers for completing specialized training and noting the department uses reconstruction expertise for serious injury and fatal crashes.
Separately, the board approved a contract with Curry Engineering for a police department needs assessment and feasibility study at a proposed fee of $117,780. Jonathan Cox, who presented the scope and fee, said the study includes a detailed spatial assessment, technology review, site analysis, conceptual building design and a probable cost estimate. Cox said funding was included in the FY25 budget but a budget amendment was needed to transfer unused funds into FY26; staff said the total cost fits within the previously allocated funding.
"We're probably looking 6 to 9 months bringing those results back to the town board in a presentation format," Cox said. He and Mayor Blake Massingale noted that design and construction would follow later; Cox estimated a multi‑year timeline if construction were pursued.
Board members also discussed how asset seizure/forfeiture funds are used. Finance staff (Mark) said forfeiture revenue is inconsistent and has historically been used for one‑time capital and specialized equipment purchases rather than as a stable operating fund, though town operating budgets also support ongoing training. The board approved the Curry Engineering contract and the related budget amendment by voice vote.
