Fashion police
Sheriff's office wins best-dressed award
Looks are not everything. But for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, it doesn't hurt.
The sheriff's office recently was recognized in Law and Order magazine for their array of uniforms.
The agency earned county Outstanding Achievement honors in the magazine's 25th annual Best Dressed Police Department Competition, published last October and sponsored by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors. The sheriff's office was one of 11 agencies honored in seven categories - Outstanding Achievement; Best Specialized Agency; City Under 200 Officers; County; City Over 200 Officers; State Agency; and Honorable Mention.
"We are proud and honored to be recognized as one of the best dressed police agencies in the country," Capt. Steve Morris said. "We pride ourselves on appearance because we believe that is the foundation for earning the respect and cooperation of the community we partner and serve.
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"With daily inspections and appearance standards, we want to present the best 'first and lasting' impression possible."
The contest results also were published in the Spring-Summer 2003 edition of Made to Order magazine, a trade publication.
Neatness, professionalism, projection of authority, practicality and adherence to uniform regulations were taken into account in the overall appearance of each agency. This is the second year the sheriff's office has entered the competition.
The competition required photos depicting most of the sheriff's office's uniforms, including those worn by patrol deputies, detention officers, motorcycle deputies, honor guard, bicycle deputies and the crime suppression unit.
No money or other rewards were given for the winning agencies.
"It is just the prestige," Morris said. "There is no money involved. It is an impressive accomplishment, bragging rights in a sense."