BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Sen. Mitch McConnell and members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms gathered in Paducah Thursday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of the new local office serving these three agencies. 

Since 2007, there hasn’t been a permanent office for the FBI in Paducah. But today, the FBI, DEA and ATF are able to work together in the same building. McConnell had a hand in making sure this project came into fruition.

“Having this new building here is a symbol, a symbol of recommitment to fighting crime in this part of Kentucky,” McConnell said.  

To consolidate resources, the FBI facility serving Paducah closed in 2007. Many spoke out , and McConnell worked with officials in Washington, D.C. to fill the need. In 2018, a plan came into action. 

“It was clear it made fiscal and economic sense to join with our partners, the DEA and ATF, in the construction of our new building to house all of our investigative elements,” Brian Jones, assistant agent in charge of FBI field office in Louisville, said. 

Agents made it clear there is excitement for the three agencies to collaborate together and effectively to help prevent violent crime in western Kentucky and Paducah thanks to the new facility. 

“This building will greatly enhance the operational efficiency in this region for years to come,” said AJ Gibbs, assistant special agent in charge of AFT.

With increased efficiency and innovation, officials hope it will yield safer neighborhoods. 

“We are here, we are determined and we are committed to making sure this community is a safe place,” Gibbs said. 

According to the county office, this will be the 14th FBI office in Kentucky. Before the opening, the closest Kentucky FBI office to Paducah was in Hopkinsville.