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Yesterday, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department officially opened its new Third District headquarters in Jamaica, N.Y.

In a ceremony featuring a host of MTA, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and other local officials, MTA dedicated the facility in the name of Dennis McCarney, a former LIRR police officer who was killed by a robbery suspect while attempting a 1989 arrest. MTA police officials credited the 36-year old officer with being instrumental in forming the department's anti-crime and decoy unit.

Located within the AirTrain JFK building in Jamaica, N.Y., the three-floor police facility consolidates two former facilities that housed MTA police officers responsible for patrolling Queens and Brooklyn. Reminiscent of erstwhile police station houses, the new headquarters features two green-and-white glass globes that are adjacent to the first-floor reception desk. But the rest of the facility is "firmly rooted in 21st century policing," as MTA put in a prepared statement. The 18,000 square-foot-facility includes a large first aid room, questioning and line-up rooms, holding cells, muster room, conference rooms, offices, workout and locker facilities.

"I'm sure the visibility and round-the-clock accessibility of this building will be a beacon of safety to the traveling public just as Officer McCarney was," said MTA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Elliot Sander.

McCarney's wife, Marilyn, and their two adult sons — Brian, a station foreman in the LIRR's Passenger Services Department, and Kevin — also were in attendance at the ceremony.