After years of planning, today, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal led the groundbreaking effort for the future Sheriff’s Office substation in the Falcon area of unincorporated El Paso County.

This substation, which is scheduled for completion in Fall of 2026, will be a vital part of the Sheriff’s Office mission to hold criminals accountable and reduce the number of victims in our community.

Growth in the Pikes Peak region has been extensive, and this project will enhance our Office’s delivery of public safety services and help meet the elevated demands resulting from a 35% increase in population over the past two decades.

Once completed, this substation will enable a more expanded presence of law enforcement on our roads and in our neighborhoods, ensuring the safety and well-being of families, businesses, and visitors throughout northern and eastern El Paso County.

The substation will be located at 12062 Royal County Down Road, in Falcon, Colorado, adjacent to Falcon Fire Protection District Station 1.

In the spring of 2025, Sheriff Roybal announced Buildings By Design, L.L.C., had been selected as the contractor for the project.

In December 2024, the Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the substation plans and began the process for bid proposals from contractors.

In April of 2024, the Board of El Paso County Commissioners approved $16 million in financing for the planned substation.

Read Sheriff Roybal’s remarks as written below:

“Good morning, everyone.

Thank you for joining us on this beautiful Colorado day.

We are gathered here for an exciting and historic occasion — the groundbreaking ceremony for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Northeast Substation.

I want to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to our valued public safety partners at the Falcon Fire Department. Your presence here today is not only a sign of support, but a reflection of a long-standing relationship built on mutual commitment and shared purpose.

Since your formation five decades ago, you have been an unwavering and dependable ally to our Office. You have responded to emergencies of all types, demonstrating courage, professionalism, and dedication at every turn. Alongside my deputies, you have helped protect lives and property across unincorporated El Paso County.

The connection between our two agencies is deeply rooted, not only in shared responsibilities but in a common mission to serve the people of this community with integrity and excellence. The land on which we stand and the opportunity for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to establish a substation could not have come to fruition without Falcon Fire.

On behalf of the citizens of El Paso County and over 1,000 sworn members, professional staff, and volunteers at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, thank you.

Now, with this new substation, we will be neighbors in proximity as well as in purpose—a welcome and exciting development for all involved.

I also want to thank the County Commissioners for their continued support of my Office and the substation from the beginning, as well as our partners at Buildings By Design, LLC, who have a robust history of supporting first responders through their work across the Pikes Peak region.

Standing here today, I am filled with pride and anticipation as we take this ceremonial step forward. What began as a concept on paper—shaped by vision, planning, and an unwavering commitment to progress—is now becoming a reality.

The groundbreaking we celebrate today marks the start of construction on what will become the Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever full-service stand-alone substation.

This is not simply a building; it is an investment in the future of our community and a symbol of our commitment to ensuring safety and security as the region continues to grow.

As Sheriff, one of my most critical responsibilities is not only to respond to current public safety needs, but also to look ahead, analyzing emerging trends and preparing to meet the demands of tomorrow.

We are not a static community; we are dynamic, evolving, and expanding. Our population currently exceeds 750,000 residents.

El Paso County offers an unmatched quality of life. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and countless other opportunities to connect with the natural world without needing to leave the boundaries of our county.

Looking ahead to the near future, we anticipate significant continued growth. By 2050, projections indicate our population will surpass one million residents.

This will represent a tremendous increase, outpacing many of our neighboring counties along the Front Range.

This growth underscores what many of us already know—El Paso County is an extraordinary place to live, work, and raise a family.

As a native, I couldn't imagine a career or raising a family anywhere else but in the Pikes Peak region. Melissa and I raised our children in El Paso County- this is truly home for us, as it is for all of you.

However, with growth comes responsibility, especially from a public safety standpoint.

Responsible growth requires proactive thinking, strategic planning, and the allocation of resources where they are most needed.

As part of our Office’s long-term strategy, this new substation will provide a critical law enforcement presence in one of the fastest-growing areas of the county. It will serve as a hub for operations, enabling better response times, increased visibility, and enhanced collaboration with other emergency services.

By enhancing our presence in this region, we are taking decisive steps to deter criminal activity, reduce victimization, and improve the overall quality of life for those who call unincorporated El Paso County home.

Today’s groundbreaking is not merely a symbolic gesture—it is a tangible demonstration of our resolve.

With shovels in the ground, we are launching a project that embodies a profound commitment to public safety, community engagement, and forward-thinking leadership.

We are here to address the needs of today, while laying a strong foundation for the future of law enforcement in the Pikes Peak region.

Now, we embark on this exciting project, which meets the community’s growing need for law enforcement in the Pikes Peak region with tangible solutions and action.

Thank you once again for your presence and your support. We look forward to continuing this journey together, as partners in service and stewards of a safer, stronger El Paso County.”