Public Safety

Public Safety Facilities Project

Bessemer City is investing in the future of public safety with several major facility improvements.

• New Fire Station: Plans to construction a new fire station located behind City Hall located on W. Washington Ave. (beside of the existing station).
• Police Station Conversion: The current fire station will be renovated and converted into a modern police station.
• City Hall Transition: City Hall Annex operations will move back into the main City Hall building to improve efficiency and accessibility.

Funding for the project comes from the sale of the existing City Hall Annex building ($ TBD), grant awards ($2,150,000) and proceeds from downtown property sales ($537,000).

While these sources support much of the work, a funding gap remains. The City continues to actively pursue additional grant funding and partnerships to fully complete the Public Safety Capital Project.

The City conducted a feasibility study that has identified current and future public safety needs in the community. This study focused on facility needs as the City continues to invest in a full-service fire department and as the police department grows.

North Carolina Grant Funding

In October 2023, Mayor Smith, City Council, City Manager, Josh Ross, Public Safety Director/Police Chief, Tom Ellis, and Fire Chief, Brent Gordon thanked local legislatures for their advocacy and effort to include funding for Bessemer City in the State Budget. State Senator Brad Overcash and State Representative Kelly Hastings continue to advocate for Bessemer City’s interests and needs. We are also thankful for House Speaker Tim Moore’s support for Bessemer City!

Bessemer City’s is committed to providing quality public safety services to citizens and businesses. The City is also committed to providing this service as the community grows.