MONTEREY — The grand opening of the new Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office substation and fire station in Monterey is set for Nov. 6.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all those interested in attending can come out and see the new substation.

Lunch will be provided at noon and Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning Jr. will be the keynote speaker.

The substation is located on Louisiana 129 between Monterey High School and Concordia Bank.

The completely renovated building previously housed B&J Food Store.

CPSO Sheriff Randy Maxwell said the new substation will be a place for the community.

Maxwell said the substation will serve as a commodity distribution site, and a place where area residents can reserve the center for meetings and receptions.

It also features a kitchen, restrooms, a large open area with available tables and chairs, a deputy’s office and a separate meeting room for CPSO personnel, Maxwell said.

Opening a new substation is the realization of a long-term goal, Maxwell said.

“We’re hoping that area residents will be pleased with the facility and use it often,” he said. “It’s there for the community’s use and enjoyment.”

Monterey Fire Protection District No. 1 Chief Jim Graves said the grand opening will not just be for the new substation.

“We also have a brand new fire station we will be letting the public view,” he said. “It is located right next to the substation.”

Graves said the fire station is a new building that the fire department needed.

“Our old fire station was over 40 years old,” he said. “The new one has plenty of storage and space for our equipment, and is more centralized than the previous station.”

Graves said the new projects in Monterey cost nothing to the fire department.

“(Sheriff Maxwell) built the stations using inmate labor for most of the work,” he said. “Thanks to the sheriff and his guys for the work they did.”

Graves said the fire trucks will be out and on display for the grand opening, and area residents should make sure to come and check everything out.

“It’s all very remarkable,” he said. “Come on out, let us feed you and take a look at the new facilities.”