The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) announced the seven winners of its Best Dressed Public Safety Awards program. Developed to recognize the critical role uniforms play in law enforcement and public safety, the awards honor both the wearer and supplier of the apparel program. Awards will be distributed during a reception in Orlando this evening. "A well-dressed officer commands respect, for he or she will be viewed as a professional and a voice of authority"
"There is nothing more comforting to a community than an easily identifiable, uniformed police officer, particularly in a time of crisis," said Richard J. Lerman, President and CEO of the NAUMD. "In law enforcement, a visible, uniformed public safety presence on the street, at a mall or other institution can add a sense of security and help comfort the public or allay fears."
Winners of the 2013 Best Dressed Public Safety Awards include: Departments, Over 2,000 Officers: Florida Highway Patrol, VF Imagewear, supplier Departments, Over 200 Officers: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, VF Imagewear, supplier Departments, Under 200 Officers: Aberdeen Police Department, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier Departments, Under 100 Officers: Madison Police Department, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier State Agency: Louisiana State Police, I. Spiewak, supplier Sheriff's Office: Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier Specialized Agency: Texas A&M University Core of Cadets, Fechheimer Bros., supplier Now in its 36th year, the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards is open to all public safety departments across North America. Participants must submit a completed entry form, as well as photographs depicting the various uniforms in their program. An independent panel of experts reviews each department's professional appearance and uniform diversity, paying close attention to detail and written standards. Since officers have varying assignments and patrol details, there are many factors to consider, including the following: Does the uniform fit the job function? Is the appearance neat and do the garments fit properly? What role do fabrics play in the overall look? Most importantly, can the public immediately identify the wearer as a professional, law enforcement officer? "A well-dressed officer commands respect, for he or she will be viewed as a professional and a voice of authority," says Deron Gerber, NAUMD public safety committee chair. "Uniforms,therefore, are an integral part of police work, and calling attention to the importance of uniforms is the driving force behind this competition."
