Cherryville Police Department Moves Buildings 31 Years Later

Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2026 3:18 pm

By: Ashley Reep - Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - After 31 years at its former home, the Cherryville Police Department has a new place to call headquarters. Located at 120 S. Mountain St., the new building gives officers and staff something they have needed for years: more room to serve the Cherryville community.

The department previously operated out of 704 E. Church St., but as the department's needs grew, so did the need for more space. Plans for a new headquarters were proposed in February 2026, with renovation work continuing throughout the year. Previous coverage about the new police department can be found here:

A Look Inside the New Police Station

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the department held an open house. Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker welcomed visitors and gave WNN a tour of the new space. As visitors enter, they are greeted in the foyer by a dispatch staff member who can help with police reports and questions about the department.

Beyond the foyer, it becomes clear that the additional space is a noticeable upgrade. However, the station is more than an office space; it's a space that honors those who came before. Photos of officers and patrol cars from years ago are displayed on the walls, along with a handcrafted wooden replica of the police badge, made in Indiana, another standout proudly displayed as a tribute to the department. One special display showcases how their badges have evolved over the years.

Major Dan Renn and Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

A handcrafted wooden replica of the police badge | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

A display case showing the evolution of CPD badges | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

A table curated by Detective Lee Faris | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

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Even the interview room, which features a security camera and four walls, sits a handcrafted wooden table made by the department's own Detective Lee Faris. It's a simple detail, but one that gives the room a personal touch you might not expect in a police station.

More Room to Work

In addition, a conference room can be reserved for community use. The room comfortably seats 14 people and can accommodate up to 16, providing residents and organizations with a place to hold formal meetings.

The confrence room | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

Work stations pictured throughout the department | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

The brand new Police Chief Office | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

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For officers, some of the biggest improvements are found in the everyday details. At the old locations, three officers shared one office. Now, the department has multiple office spaces and work stations, giving staff more room to handle their day-to-day responsibilities. As Hunsucker led the tour, he explained that the old location lacked a kitchen, which meant officers had to wash dishes in the bathrooms. With this new building, they now have a proper kitchen space, which can make a big difference during a busy workday. Additional filing rooms and storage areas also give the department more room to keep records organized, helping make even better use of the space.

What's Upstairs?

The upgrades continue on the second floor, where the department has added an evidence room and is still working on a training room. During the tour, Hunsucker explained the evidence rooms' lock-and-key drop-off system, which is part of how the department manages incoming evidence.

Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

There is still some work to do before the upstairs is accessible to everyone. The second floor is not yet ADA-compliant, but the department is waiting on funding to move forward with plans for a liftavator. The addition is expected to cost between $80,000 and $90,000. Once installed, it would allow people with disabilities to access the second floor from the building's side exterior.

Reflecting On 31 Years

One of the most meaningful moments of the open house had less to do with the building and more to do with the people connected to it. Hunsucker’s father, former Cherryville Police Chief Ken Hunsucker, was in attendance, reflecting on how, 31 years ago, he was involved in the previous department's move to East First Street.

Ken Hunsucker, former Police Chief and father to Brandon Hunsucker | Cherryville Police Department Open House | 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC | October 20, 2026

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Now, more than three decades later, he was there to watch his son lead the department into a new home. It was a full-circle moment that added a sense of nostalgia to the Open House, connecting the department’s past with its next chapter.