It's double the size of its predecessor and features a state-of-the-art computer system to help state police more ably perform their duties.

It's no wonder the new state police at Lehighton barracks in Towamensing Township was all the fuss on Tuesday, as evidenced by the solid crowd that converged outside the new 8,235-square-foot facility.Located at 9170 Interchange Road, the new facility replaces the former barracks at 5730 Interchange Road, which had served as headquarters for state police at Lehighton since May 25, 1993.It comes complete with a communications room, patrol unit, criminal investigations unit, station commander's office, clerk and file room, storage room, conference room, mechanical room, server and telephone room and an impound lot.Sgt. Brian Vadell, station commander, Troop N, Lehighton, kicked off the event by thanking all those who attended and contributed to the dedication of the station.That was followed by the presentation of colors by the Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit.Rebekah McFadden then sang a rendition of the national anthem. That was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.The Rev. Alfred J. Vito gave the invocation.Capt. David T. Dougalas, commanding officer, Troop N, Hazleton, welcomed those in attendance."This is a really beautiful facility," Dougalas said.Speakers included Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Frank Noonan; state Sen. John T. Yudichak, D-Carbon/Luzerne; and state Rep. Doyle Heffley, 122nd Legislative District, Carbon County.Noonan said the new station means a lot to the men and women who work in it and told those on hand how important it truly is to have a station such as this in their community.He said these stations tend to become a real part of their community, and that people who live in the area do so for the quality of life it has to offer."This is a wonderful place to live, a wonderful place to raise a family, and we're all proud of that," Noonan said.As a sign of his appreciation to state police troopers, Yudichak attributed a quote from former President Theodore Roosevelt, who said "There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.""Thank you to the men and women, our heroes in gray," Yudichak said. "Thank you for all your hard work."Yudichak said he hopes the new station assists them in their work.Heffley impressed upon those in attendance the necessity for state police coverage and thanked state police for putting their lives on the line."You do a fantastic job," Heffley said. "I'm thankful that you're there to help and protect us, and all the residents of Carbon County."A call of honor was then recited by retired state troopers who were present, followed by the benediction by the Rev. James M. Torpey.A tour of the installation was then given by members of the Lehighton station.