Metro News Release
For immediate release: November 30, 2007
Metro opens Transit Police substation at Fort Totten
Building named in honor of Metro Transit Police Officer Marlon Morales
The Metro Transit Police Marlon F. Morales District I Substation near the Fort Totten Metrorail station officially opened today, Nov. 30. The building honors MTPD Officer Marlon F. Morales, who was killed in the line of duty in 2001.
The three-story, 18,000-square foot building at 5315 1st Place, NE, Washington, DC, serves as a home base for MTPD District I. It houses administrative and detective offices, crime scene and evidence storage, meeting and training rooms, locker rooms and a gym. District I officers, who largely patrol the northern portion of the Metrorail and Metrobus system, report to the building for roll call, training and other administrative functions. The new building replaces the former District I substation, which was housed in Metro’s Stone Straw printing facility on Franklin Street, NE, Washington, DC.
“I am pleased that the Morales family is here with us as we dedicate this building in Marlon’s memory,” said Metro Assistant General Manager for Safety, Security and Emergency Management Polly Hanson. “Marlon worked out of District I and was a dedicated member of the department, committed to keeping Metro’s customers, employees and facilities safe. His heroism is a testament to the contributions and sacrifices of all law enforcement officers.”
Officer Morales was shot at the U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial Metrorail station on June 10, 2001, after stopping an individual for fare evasion. He died on June 13, 2001, as a result of his wounds.
“Metro has always placed a strong emphasis on safety and security, and the Metro Transit Police Department is part of the reason that we have such a good reputation for being one of the safest transit authorities in the country,” said Metro Board Chairperson Elizabeth Hewlett.
Construction on the Metro Transit Police Marlon F. Morales District I Substation began in May 2006. It was constructed with several environmentally friendly features including a light-colored roof to reflect heat and save energy consumption, low-flow plumbing features to save water, light fixtures that angle down, not out or toward the sky, to reduce light pollution, storm water runoff controls to reduce water pollution and accessibility to public transportation with the adjacent Fort Totten Metrorail station and bus bay.
News release issued at 12:00 am, November 30, 2007.