The City of McDonough held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 10, 2020, to officially celebrate the opening of the Edward “Boots” Welch Police Precinct.

  The property, located at 342 Simpson Street in McDonough, was formerly owned by the family of the late Officer “Boots” Welch.  Mayor Billy Copeland reflected on his memories of sitting on the screened-in front porch of the family home previously located on the site, remarking that “Boots and Earlene Welch were dear friends of the Copelands and I always enjoyed visiting with them and talking about their family and the City of McDonough, a place they loved tremendously.”

  Edward “Boots” Welch, who served with the City of McDonough Police Department for thirty-five years, was well known for his affable nature, dedication, and commitment.  Lovette Welch Allen expressed her pride in knowing that her father’s legacy has now been memorialized and will forever connect the family to the community in which she grew up.

  While the main purpose of the Boots Welch Police Precinct is to allow for a greater presence spread throughout the City of McDonough, a portion of the space has been reserved for a community room where citizens can have meetings.  In addition, there are plans to partner with a medical clinic in the near future to provide access to medical care in rooms located immediately off of the community room.

  City Administrator Preston Dorsey expressed his appreciation to Falcon Design Consultants, J. R. Bowman Construction, and Phillips Partnership for the services they rendered in bringing the project to fruition, stating “This facility will undoubtedly prove to be a tremendous asset to the community and, in a time when there is much division across the nation, ensure that our officers are able to engage more with citizens.  As Rufus Stewart Park and basketball courts are right beside the Boots Welch Precinct, I envision days when our officers will enjoy getting off work and shooting hoops with local youth in the area.”