BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

The Iredell County Fraternal Order of Police celebrated the grand opening of its new new lodge and shooting range on Saturday.

FOP members and their guests gathered for the special occasion. Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell and Statesville Police Department Chief David Onley attended the event, along with County Commissioner Gene Houpe, N.C. Rep. Jeff McNeely, N.C. Sen. Vickie Sawyer, and Troutman Town Manager Ron Wyatt.

Lodge President Rodney James was pleased with the turnout.

“There’s not another one in Iredell County,” he said. “I’m proud of it, but I’m more proud that we stayed completely in the county.”

The project was sourced locally. That includes the artist who painted beautiful murals throughout the 8,000-square- foot building at 239 Wing Drive in Statesville.

The FOP’s first headquarters, which opened in 1971, was located in a rented office overtop the old Northwestern Bank on South Center Street in Statesville. A second location located off Safriet Road. 

On January 3, 1979, the organization purchases 35 acres at 366 Dover Road in Statesville. By 1997, they had outgrown that building. Lodge members built a new facility that was completed in 2002.

After being approached by developers, lodge members agreed to sell the land and use the proceeds of the sale to fund construction of the new facility on 75 acres off Wing Drive.

Sam Robinson volunteered his time to do all the electrical wiring, and 38-year member Russell Kay donated a golf cart for the bigger range.

“We couldn’t have done it without everybody,” James said.

Mr. Mural of Imagination Works provided the colorful artwork at the lodge, combining nature and different law enforcement emblems.

James, who grew up in Iredell County, said he’s extremely proud to be part of such a great organization.

“This will be great for the community as we continue to give back to this amazing county.”

He also reflected on past board members who helped grow the FOP.

“We’ve lost some board members that would love to see what they were a part of to where we are now,” he shared.

Lodge 10 currently boasts 1,400 members. It is the second largest lodge in North Carolina, only behind Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Lodge 9.

LegenDairy Ice-cream, Taqueria Los Jarochos, and That’s My Dog were on hand for the grand opening to treat members and their families. Our Father’s Table provided barbecue.

Partners

In addition to those who volunteered their time and talent, James acknowledged the following businesses for their contributions to the new lodge: EJA One Corp. Construction Consultants, SHA Mechanical, Lowe’s, Concrete Supplies, Darden Engineering, Precision Excavating, Martin Marietta, Murdock Trucking, Dixie Fence, and LKN Custom Garage Company.

Photos