CENTRE– Gadsden State Community College and the City of Centre signed a public safety agreement Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Cherokee campus.

The memorandum of understanding creates a framework for their police departments to share personnel, equipment, and other resources when needed.

College President Alan Smith and Centre Mayor Jay Howell spoke during the ceremony. The signing followed the partnership announcement earlier this week.

Gadsden State Police Chief Jay Freeman and officers David Bankston and David Wilson also attended, representing the college. Capt. J. Riley Combs represented the Centre Police Department.

Smith Highlights Community Partnerships and Campus Safety

Smith said the agreement reflects Gadsden State’s role as a community college and its relationship with Centre.

“We’re just excited to be a college for the community. Our approach is to be good community partners,” Smith said.

He also thanked Howell and the city for supporting the college’s work in Cherokee County and on its other campuses. Smith said the partnership would benefit residents of Centre and Cherokee County.

For example, he pointed to events that bring more than 3,000 visitors into the Cherokee campus arena. He said public safety support is critical for those gatherings.

“This will help us to be flexible and combine these resources that we have,” Smith said.

In addition, he recognized Freeman for his leadership and commitment to public safety. Smith described the agreement as another step in that ongoing work.

Howell Expresses Gratitude for Campus and Pledges City Support

Meanwhile, Howell thanked Gadsden State for its commitment to Centre and spoke about what the college’s presence means to his hometown.

“We’re so blessed to have Gadsden State here,” Howell said.

The mayor said he was born and raised in Centre and had never imagined seeing a Gadsden State campus there. He expressed gratitude for the college’s presence in the community.

“We’re very thankful for that,” he said.

Howell also emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety as the two agencies prepare to work together under the agreement.

“We’re very committed to public safety here in Centre. We’re looking forward to this partnership,” Howell said.

In addition, the mayor offered the city’s continued assistance to Gadsden State, saying the city would be happy to help however it could.

Agreement Provides for Shared Resources and Coordinated Response

According to the college’s advance release, the agreement links the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department with the Centre Police Department.

For example, the agencies could combine resources for graduations, large-scale events, special activities, and emergencies. The arrangement also covers other situations requiring a coordinated law enforcement presence.

In addition, the memorandum supports advance planning, stronger communication, and resource sharing. Coordinated operations will take place when mutually requested and appropriate, according to the release.

However, each department will retain its own authority, policies, and responsibilities.

In the advance announcement, Freeman emphasized the benefits of working together to serve the college and surrounding community.

“Anytime we can combine resources and work together to better serve the community and our college campus community, it is a win for everyone,” Freeman said.

He also thanked Howell, Centre Police Chief Kirk Blankenship, and the city for supporting the Cherokee campus.

Similarly, Blankenship said in the release that cooperation helps law enforcement agencies respond more effectively and efficiently. He said joint planning would better prepare both departments for major events and other situations requiring mutual assistance.

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