Easton Celebrates Topping-Off of New Public Safety Complex with Beam Signing

Easton Police, Fire and Public Works professionals gathered for a beam-signing and topping-off ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 9. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

EASTON — Police officers, firefighters, public works employees and elected officials lined up to add their signatures to a steel beam that topped off Easton’s new Public Safety and Public Works Complex under construction on Depot Street (Route 123).

Chief Keith Boone stood behind a lectern as heavy equipment lifted the beam high and into place, above the entrance to the future home of the Easton Police, Fire and Public Works departments.

“Today’s topping-off ceremony represents far more than the placement of the final beam — it signifies a lasting commitment — a commitment to safety, to public service and to the future of our community,” Chief Boone told the crowd gathered at the construction site. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our local, state, and federal officials. Your steadfast support, leadership, and vision were instrumental in bringing this project to life. We are truly grateful for your partnership and your dedication to the people we all serve.”

Chief Boone was joined at the lectern by Easton Town Administrator Connor Read, Easton Select Board Vice Chair Craig Barger, state Rep. Bridget Plouffe and U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch. Fire Chief Justin Alexander and DPW Director David Field, whose departments will have a new home at the location, were also in attendance.

“To our community — thank you,” Chief Boone said. “Your input, your trust, and your belief in the importance of public safety have helped shape this project from the very beginning. This new complex will serve as the home for our police, fire, and public works departments, but more importantly, it stands as a testament to collaboration, shared values, and a collective vision for a safer, stronger community.”

The new Public Safety Complex will replace the existing public safety building, which houses Fire Station 1 and the Easton Police Headquarters, with a single, larger, and more efficient modern facility.

In 2013, Easton voters funded a comprehensive facilities needs and replacement program for Town and School Buildings. First, the Town addressed the most pressing school building needs with the Blanche A. Ames Elementary School project, completed on time and under budget in 2023. Then, in 2021, voters approved feasibility funding to replace all Police, Fire and Public Works facilities in Town.

Following two years of public assessment, voters again approved the project with two votes in 2023. The general construction contract was awarded to Fontaine Brothers Construction in February 2025 and construction began in March.

“This project took a long time coming, and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the voters and the community members who supported the budget override that allows us to be here today,” said Vice Chair Barger. “They recognized the work that our first responders do. The need for safety, the need for quality materials, for the firefighters a decent place to live, a place for our police and our DPW workers, who every day work on behalf of this community. I am very excited because the people in this town have responded … Kudos to the town of Easton and the people who support us.”

The project consists of three separate main facilities — a new Police/Fire headquarters and a separate Public Works and fleet management facility on the Depot Street site, along with a new Fire Substation at the intersection of Main and Washington streets. The facilities are expected to complete in 2026/early 2027. According to Rep. Lynch, the project is currently under budget and on time.

“Thank you all for coming today to this momentous occasion as we celebrate the topping off of our new Public Safety and Public Works headquarters,” Town Administrator Read said. “Today marks a significant milestone in Easton’s journey towards enhancing the safety and well-being of our community and the first responders who keep it safe. It embodies our commitment to executing on the comprehensive facilities repair and replacement program that our voters approved more than a decade ago, which laid the roadmap for Easton and replacing our elementary schools, and now many of our aging municipal facilities. Behind me is not just a building, it’s our commitment to caring for the first responders who care for us.”

On Thursday morning, after all the signatures were scrawled, an American flag was fastened to the beam, steelworkers and Rep. Lynch carried the beam to the lift, and it was hoisted high in the air.

“Together, we’ve built more than walls and infrastructure — we’ve built trust, progress, and the framework for a brighter future,” said Chief Boone. “I look forward to seeing future generations of police officers, firefighters, and public works professionals walk through these doors and carry on the work we’ve started here — with pride and purpose. Thank you again for being part of this important moment in our community’s history, even more fitting that we are doing this during our Town’s 300th anniversary.”

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A drone captured images from high above the Easton Public Safety and Public Works complex construction. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Easton Police Chief Keith Boone addressed the crowd gathered for a beam-signing and topping-off ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 9. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Easton Police Chief Keith Boone added his signature to the beam that topped off the future Public Safety and Public Works Complex on Depot Street (Route 123). (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Construction workers fastened an American flag to the beam that topped off the future Public Safety and Public Works Complex on Depot Street. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

The signed, ceremonial beam was hoisted into place. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

The signed, ceremonial beam was hoisted into place. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

An architectural rendering of Easton’s future Public Safety and Public Works Complex on Depot Street, expected to be completed in 2027. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Easton’s future Public Safety and Public Works Complex on Depot Street will include Easton Fire Department’s Station 2. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Easton Town Administrator Connor Read addressed the audience. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch attended the beam-signing event. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

State Rep. Bridget Plouffe helped to celebrate the topping-off ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Easton Select Board Vice Chair Craig Barger addressed the audience. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

Construction workers hoisted and secured beams as the topping-off ceremony was set to begin at the future home of Easton’s new Public Safety and Public Works Complex. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

The sign on the fence outside the project displays architectural renderings. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

On Thursday, Easton celebrated major progress at the work site that will be the future home of the Town’s new Public Safety and Public Works Complex on Route 123 (Depot Street). (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

A drone captured images from high above the Easton Public Safety and Public Works complex construction. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

A drone captured images from high above the Easton Public Safety and Public Works complex construction. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

A drone captured images from high above the Easton Public Safety and Public Works complex construction. At center, the signed beam secured in place. (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)