One could argue the news surrounding Suffolk Fire & Rescue over the past few months has been less than stellar.

There has been the ongoing state investigation into certain certifications of firefighters, and the debacle that was the workman’s compensation insurance problem that forced the city to literally lock out all the volunteer firefighters. Combine that with the funding debate involving the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad and you have a portfolio of stories city leaders would rather forget.

However, a good story involving the fire department hit the papers Tuesday, when the city officially opened the new King’s Fork Public Safety Center. The new, gleaming facility, situated perfectly in a growing part of the city, shows the level of investment Suffolk is willing to put toward the safety of its residents.

The new center will bring with it expanded coverage of new home developments in the King’s Fork area, as well as the developing Godwin Boulevard retail and medical corridor.

There will be those naysayers who will question any capital expense by the city, or any investment of taxpayer dollars into yet another building. However, any investment that protects the lives and property of families and businesses is money well spent.

Say what you will about the recent storylines that have cast a shadow on the department, but that has never stopped the hard working members from responding to calls, battling fires and saving lives. For that, we say thank you.

As for the city’s commitment to public safety, we say well done. As more families are beginning to call Suffolk home, this type of investment will be much needed.