Officer Noah A. Leotta Olney Satellite Station
In the early 1990’s, when business and residential growth was accelerating in the greater Olney area, the Olney Chamber of Commerce began advocating for a local police facility to serve the community.
The officers serving the community are based out of the MCPD’s 4th District Wheaton-Glenmont station, located more than six miles away. The idea was to establish a place in Olney for them to meet (with each other, as well as citizens), eat a meal, write reports, or use the restroom, without having to drive back to Wheaton. Having an increased police presence in Olney is a crime deterrent.
In 1998, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), the Chamber established the Olney Police Satellite Station. A trailer, purchased by the Chamber, was placed on the southwest corner of the parking lot of what was then Giant Food. At the time it opened, it was one of only five satellite stations in the entire county and is the only one remaining in service. This is a result of continued support from the Chamber, local businesses, residents, and the county.
In 2019, the Olney Police Satellite Station was considered at risk due to the end of its decades-long lease and the sale of the property. The Olney Chamber of Commerce moved quickly and with the guidance and involvement of the District 14 Delegation and Senator Craig Zucker’s leadership, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich agreed to support the agreement by entering a new long-term lease with Olney One Center, LLC, the current property owner.
The Chamber has maintained the facility over the years, and recently completed a minor renovation project including new paint, flooring, window treatments, a refrigerator, and more, with labor and materials generously provided by Chamber members.
Even with a minor refresh, the trailer is reaching the end of its lifespan. The time has come to house the satellite police facility in a more comfortable, permanent building. The building will be located in the same location in the parking lot where the trailer currently sits. It will achieve another community goal, as it will also serve as a Community Building, providing office space for local nonprofit organizations and community meeting space.
In May, we rededicated the trailer as the “Officer Noah Leotta Olney Police Satellite Station,” in memory of Noah Leotta, an Olney native and MCPD officer who was killed at the hands of a drunk driver in 2015. The name will carry over to the new building.