Last week, Fort Worth saw the beginning of construction for its new $25.6 million Northwest Patrol Division headquarters when police and city officials gathered to ceremonially break ground. The facility, located at 3900 Angle Ave, isn't just to function as a base for the area's law enforcement; it's also to become a new local landmark. Notably, a special piece of public art is set to adorn the 31,710-square-foot headquarters, aiming to symbolize the connection between the police force and the community, according to information obtained from the City of Fort Worth's official news release.
The intended public artwork is more than an aesthetic addition; it's poised to become a symbol of unity and trust. It has been designed to directly mirror the longhorn steer found in the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) shoulder patch, an emblem familiar to all within the community. This blend of old and new reflects the goal to better connect the officers of the Northwest Division with the residents they vow to serve and protect, aiming to foster stronger, more respectful relationships across the board.
"As a welcoming symbol for the public, the sculpture represents the Northwest Patrol Division’s commitment to building strong relationships with the community. It is intended to serve as a statement of connection and unity, emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect between the Police Department and the residents they serve," detailed the City of Fort Worth. Incorporating elements of Fort Worth’s storied heritage, namely the iconic Stockyards, the artwork blends historical context with a gaze firmly set towards the future, complete with radiant beams projecting forward from its sturdy base.
Currently in fabrication at Indianapolis's Project One Studio, the sculpture will be constructed from steel and painted aluminum, measuring 30 feet by 7 feet by 6 feet. The coordination of the project has been placed under the watchful eye of Fort Worth Public Art. This new addition to the Northwest Patrol Division is more than an architectural feature; it is a promise, one carved from metal, to continually and proactively nurture the relationship between the city's lawkeepers and its inhabitants, to forge a future together, bound by shared understanding and respect.
