State and local officials gathered in Calhoun on Friday for the dedication of a new, state-of-the-art Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) facility, a project hailed as a significant commitment to public safety and investigative excellence in the region. The event also included a special tribute to former GBI Director Vernon Keenan, whose name will now grace the building.

GBI Division Director of Investigations Cynthia Adkins underscored the building’s importance, calling it a “symbol of public safety commitment” for the communities it serves. The new Region One Investigative Office, located at 1 McDaniel Station Road, replaces a smaller, outdated facility that had been in use for approximately 40 years.

The impressive 12,000-square-foot office space, complemented by a 6,000-square-foot crime scene and special operations garage, was part of an $8.1 million project. The modern design boasts agent offices, multiple conference rooms, and a large, secure evidence vault. Its innovative interior allows for reconfigurable walls and is designed to accommodate future expansions, ensuring adaptability for evolving investigative needs. The property for the new office was allocated to the GBI in 2016.

Gifton Passley, Deputy Executive Director of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, emphasized that the facility marks “growth and a commitment to justice and safety in Georgia.” The Region One office plays a crucial role in serving multiple counties, including Bartow, Floyd, and Walker.

A significant portion of the dedication ceremony was devoted to honoring former GBI Director Vernon Keenan, with his name officially added to the building. The heartfelt tribute recognized his remarkable 45-year career and transformative leadership within the agency. Friends and colleagues shared poignant stories, highlighting Keenan’s unwavering dedication and integrity throughout his tenure. GBI Director Chris Hosey lauded Keenan for “strengthening public trust in law enforcement and setting incredibly high standards for GBI agents.”

In his modest remarks, Keenan expressed profound gratitude for the honor, redirecting praise to the “hard work of his colleagues over the years.” The new Calhoun facility stands not only as a testament to the GBI’s operational advancement but also as a permanent tribute to a leader who profoundly shaped the agency and its mission to protect Georgians.