types of patches

Why Does Law Enforcement Have Customized Uniform Patches?

From cops to SWAT team members, uniformed officers at all levels, agencies, and rankings benefit from custom police patches. These police uniform patches are not only the perfect piece to pull a uniform together, but they are also a great way to symbolize the camaraderie of your team. So what are the other reasons behind law enforcement having different types of patches for their team? Here are just a few.

Area Identification

According to Wikipedia, there are 17,985 U.S. police agencies in the United States which include City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police/Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Many special units within the department have their own patch that identifies the person wearing the emblem as a member of that team. Law enforcement agencies uniquely identify themselves by the badge they wear on their chest and the patch on their shoulder.

Types of Patches

There are different types of patches as well. Customized patches allow some freedom in the design for each agency. The designs are typically changed over the years to best reflect the culture and history of each community. Every local, county, and state agency has its own special design that makes its patch unique not only to their department but to their community.

Use of Symbolism

Each symbol used on these patches is something officers have come to honor and respect; that represents the history of the department and those who have served before them. Some symbols used in law enforcement patches are Greek Gods, war heroes, community animals, landmarks, and much more. For example, Clark County’s Police Department’s current patch was designed to show the scenery and the town’s proximity to the Columbia River. There is also a compass that represents the Lewis and Clark expedition. Lastly, the U.S. and Washington flags were included, which former Chief Don Chaney who created the patch thought were important to include on the design.

Customized patches are important for law enforcement identification and symbolism. To discuss the creation of customized patches for your agency, reach out to us today.

custom police velcro patch

How to Care for Your Police Patch

A police uniform should be worn with pride. Your custom police velcro patch is a powerful symbol that needs specific care to keep it looking great. A patch is more than simply part of your uniform apparel, it is like your badge, something that identifies you as a public servant and a hero. Learn how to care for your custom police velcro patch to keep it looking its best.

A Brief History of the Police Uniform

Before 1829, police uniforms were not standardized. They were a little haphazard, as a matter of fact. There may have been a requirement to wear something similar among the force, but every officer was left up to their own volition when it came to dressing for work.

The first evidence of standardized apparel for police officers showed up in 1829. The London Metropolitan Police force required that all police officers wear a specific uniform. As they say, the rest is history. Today, every police force has a standardized uniform from the hat to the shoes.

Caring for Your Patches

A custom police velcro patch requires special care. One of the most important reasons to follow the special care tips is to avoid the patch losing its ability to grip the velcro. Before you wash your garment or dry clean it, remove the patch.

If the patch becomes dirty, you can hand wash it in warm water with a little soap. The velcro strip may collect lint and other particles. You can use a pin to pull away the debris. When you dry a garment that has a velcro strip, you want to be sure to use a low heat setting.

Velcro is usually made of little nylon loops that can get damaged on a high heat setting. You never want to iron a velcro patch for the same reason you should not dry a garment with velcro on a high heat setting. You can damage that velcro and leave the patch unserviceable.

With just a little extra care, you can keep your patches in great condition. If you need to store your patches, store them loop side up and patch side down. It is easy to take care of these types of patches if you know how. Follow the tips above and your patches will continue to look great.

How Police Badges Complete the Uniform and Image

The term police is derived from the Greek word polis, which means “city.” However, the first policing agency was established in 3000 BC in Egypt. Police officers are often regarded as “authority figures.” And as such, they are expected to uphold the law by abiding by certain codes of conduct. Their dress is regulated by specific policies that outline how their uniforms should be worn and what articles can or cannot be attached to them. Police badges are an important part of the uniform. Here’s how they complete the uniform and image of law enforcement personnel.

1. They Help Identify Members of a Specific Police Force

Police badges help distinguish one member of a police force from another. They are often affixed to the uniform in specific places to ease identification. A good example is using a badge to differentiate officers from different departments or jurisdictions. Some badges indicate where the officer works and in what capacity. For example, badges may be divided into categories such as detective, special agent, etc.

2. They Establish Authority

Police badges help establish authority. When an officer walks into a room, their badge immediately lets people know that they are there in an official capacity and deserve respect. It’s like the letterhead of a company. People know that they are dealing with professionals. Police badges can also serve as a way to identify non-uniformed police personnel. For example, plainclothes officers investigating a crime would be carrying badges to indicate their status as police and distinguish them from other civilians.

3. They Enhance the Uniform

Police badges complete the uniform by adding another level of professionalism. It is a final touch. Badges serve to bring together all previous elements such as clothing, accessories, and equipment. Together, these items complete an image of professionalism and authority.

Badges are often made from metals such as nickel, pewter, or brass because these materials allow for a long-lasting finish. They can also be made from other materials such as leather, cloth, or plastic. The shape of badges may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, most police badges feature an image of the official seal of the police force. Police badge customization allows them to have added feature designs that reflect or represent the area they operate, such as local flowers, animals, landmarks, etc.

Police badges help police officers to identify themselves and each other. They allow police forces to establish authority and enhance their image. And, police badge customization allows police forces to add personal touches to their police badges for a more personalized look. Call us today to learn more about our police badge customization services.

fire dept patches

Fire Department Badges and Symbolism

Firefighters are an important task force in society. According to NFPA, there were nearly 1,115,000 firefighters in the United States in 2018. Firefighters respond to fire outbreaks, rescue people and animals, and care for the sick and injured. They also teach people about fire safety, develop fire regulations, and install fire alarms. As a task force, the firefighter department has badges with different symbols portraying service, sacrifice, readiness, leadership, and other firefighter attributes. The following is all you need to know about fire department badges.

1. Maltese Cross Badge

The Maltese cross badge is arguably one of the most common fire dept patches. It symbolized St. John’s knights during the Crusades in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the Maltese cross badge is used as a symbol of protection. It implies that the firefighter wearing the badge is ready to lay down their life for people in need of help, the same way Crusaders sacrificed their lives for other people thousands of years ago.

2. Fire Bugle Badge

Fire dept patches with a bugle are common firefighter badges in the United States. The badge was designed in the olden days before radio and other mass media. The leaders of a fire department would use the bugle to alert firefighters. Today, the fire bugle badge is designated for firefighting leaders. It symbolizes leadership, and a person wearing it serves a leadership role in their jurisdiction.

3. Scramble Badge

The scramble is the most iconic fire dept patch. The scramble comprises multiple firefighter symbols, including the fire hydrant, ax, ladder, hats, and other insignias. The scramble represents some of the tools firefighters use in their line of work. The badge differs in different departments and jurisdictions. Thus, fire dept patches with only one of these symbols are still a scramble badge. Apart from representing the common tools used by firefighters, the scramble badge also denotes readiness.

4. Red Color on Badges

The color red is associated with firefighting. The red color is found on firefighting trucks and is common in all fire dept patches. The red color symbolizes fire and the danger firefighters face in their work. Firefighting trucks are painted red to alert people to get off the road.

These four explanations will help you learn more about fire dept patches. Call a custom patch creator if you need any custom embroidered patches for your crew.

police badges

Law Enforcement Badge Design

One of the simplest and most reliable ways to identify a police officer is through their badge. There are 17,985 police agencies in the United States, and each of these agencies has its own badge design. For instance, you will find different badges for City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement officers.

Different police agencies can order their own custom badges, and they come with a lot of customizable features. However, there are basic features that should be considered when it comes to law enforcement badge design. Read on to find out more about police badge design.

Different Types of Badges

Before choosing a badge design, you must understand that there are different types of police badges available. You can therefore pick from a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the badges even allow for the addition of custom artwork and features. When choosing police badges, the most important factor to consider is what design will best fit your officers. For instance, you need to think about the badge thickness. This can affect how the badge hangs on a police officer’s belt or lanyard.

Types of Materials for Police Badges

This is another factor to consider when it comes to police badge design. Most badges are either made using metal or plastic. As you might have guessed, metal badges are sturdier and more professional. However, they also tend to be heavier and bulkier than those made from plastic. Some police officers prefer the metal badge because of how it feels more balanced on their uniforms.

Choosing the Color of Police Badges

The majority of law enforcement badges are either silver or gold. These colors stick out, and they make it easier for people to quickly identify police officers. However, it’s also possible to pick any other color that’s not silver or gold. Some agencies will go for blue, purple, or red.

Flat or Rounded Badge Corner

There are two main types of badge edges. You can either pick a flat or rounded edge, depending on the look you are going for. Most police badges feature rounded corners. This is because they make the badge easy to remove from the holder. Apart from that, rounded edges are also less likely to injure other people. Flat badge edges are better when it comes to aesthetics, but they make it difficult for you to remove them.

These are some of the factors to consider when it comes to law enforcement badge design. It’s important to ensure that whatever design you choose makes it easier for people to identify the officers. It will defeat the point if the design makes the badge not so visible.

patches

Understanding the Symbolism of Fire Department Patches

Modern fire department patches are packed with symbolism you may not be aware of. While fire-fighting itself can be traced back to colonial days, it first began as a community-based organization during the 1600s. During the 1700s and early 1800s, fire-fighting evolved into an orderly system of volunteers and finally into the first fully-paid department, founded in Columbus, Ohio during the 1850s. Here’s what to know about the symbolism of fire department patches.

From Humble Beginnings

Fire department patches provide identification as well as a sense of camaraderie, and every modern firefighter can be seen wearing patches that showcase and pay tribute to firefighting history.

The Maltese Cross

One of the common symbols found on firefighting patches is the eight-point Maltese Cross. First awarded to the Knights of St. John on the island of Malta, the cross rapidly became a symbol of loyalty and protection for those who served. It was the first time fire had been used as a weapon in war and the Knights were known to rescue injured people from the flames. In modern times, the eight-point Maltese Cross is seen on badges, patches, and even on the side of some fire trucks.

The Scramble

The center-most part of a firefighter’s patch features several symbols, often a ladder and an ax, among others. Known as the scramble, more modern additions to this section, such as helmets and hoses, have been added in recent years to symbolize both the history and the current commitment to the trade.

Bugle

Bugles are often seen on firefighter patches, symbolizing leadership within the department. This is a reference to the days before wireless radios when bugles were used to issue orders. The person with the bugle was commonly recognized as the leader. Patches with a large number of bugles indicate seniority.

Red Hot

Whatever symbols a firefighter’s patches feature, they will all have the color red somewhere in them. Red is typically associated with the fire department, flames in general, and the history of fire trucks being painted red for better visibility. The color red in the patches, usually seen in the scramble or the Maltese Cross, represents bravery and the dedication of all firefighters, both past and present.

Knowing the symbolism of firefighter patches may even make you more likely to notice them. According to research, in 2018, 67% of firefighters were working in communities with a population of at least 25,000, making it easy for these brave men and women to get lost in the crowd. With custom patches, that will no longer be the case.

fire department patches

How Custom Fire Department Patches Can Benefit Your Team

A fire department patch is a badge of honor. These patches have been used for decades to show the world that you are a member of an elite group, someone who risks your life every day to save others from tragedy and death. These badges speak volumes about the dedication and passion that have always been at the core of this job and how much it has changed over time. But how do custom fire department patches benefit your team?

1. A Badge of Honor

For firefighters, the badge is a symbol of pride and honor. Just like members of law enforcement groups or military members, these patches are often worn on uniforms as a way to represent who they serve and protect. When firefighters wear these badges, they represent more than themselves, they represent their team. The badge represents years of service, selflessness, dedication, and compassion. Above all else, it represents the courage to face danger every day.

2. Group Unity

With custom patches, firefighters can show that they are part of something bigger than themselves. This helps to strengthen group unity and morale within the fire department itself. These patches represent more than just a job but also a family and the community that they serve. These patches can be a source of strength and pride for firefighters during difficult times, especially when working so hard to help people in need.

3. A Badge of Specialization

Unlike a traditional firefighter badge, custom fire department patches can be used to show specialization in different firefighting areas. From fires and medical emergencies to hazardous materials and professional rescues, these badges can represent the specialized training that firefighters receive before serving the community.

4. A Badge of Service

Custom fire department patches can also be used to show the kind of service that a firefighter has put into their job over time. For example, some badges may include chevrons on them showing how many years a firefighter has served in the department, or badges may include letters and abbreviations such as EMS or EMT.

5. Recognition

Firefighters work hard to make a difference in the communities they serve. Sometimes, the public doesn’t fully grasp what they do because of how dangerous and unpredictable fire is. But a custom patch can be a way for firefighters to receive recognition for their service.

As of 2018, there were 29,705 fire departments in the country. It is estimated that about 18% of these departments are career departments. Regardless of the type of fire department, custom fire department patches can benefit your teams. They can be a source of strength and pride, especially when facing adversity. Call us today and we will be happy to help your team stand out!

face mask

How to Care for Your Custom Face Mask

For many people, a custom face mask is likely to remain a part of their life for a long time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our sources found that face masks, washing your hands, and keeping a strong distance from people remained the best way to avoid this disease. Caring for your custom face mask will help keep yourself safe.

Avoid Touching the Mask

When taking off your mask, it is important first to wash your hands or use 60% alcohol or higher hand sanitizer. Do not touch the front of your mask but instead grab the ear loops or untie the ties. Taking these steps helps to keep you from spreading this disease any further. It also helps keep you from getting it into your eyes and experiencing an infection in that way.

Remove any filters, throw them away, and place your mask directly in the laundry basket before you clean it. Later, you can put in more filters when you go out again. Filters help to minimize your risk of infection and shouldn’t be reused because they may contain trace amounts of bacteria or even the virus. After you wash your hands a second time, you can take care of your mask.

Cleaning Your Custom Mask

Read the directions for your custom face mask to see how it should be cleaned. If there are no instructions, there are a few different steps that you can take to keep your masks clean. For example, masks that use cotton-based materials can be washed in your laundry machine with hot water. Place it in with your other clothes, and it should be safely cleaned and sanitized.

If your mask is made of more delicate materials, you may need to wash them by hand. You can use hot, soapy water to sanitize your mask and keep it safe. Scrub it for at least 20 seconds before you finish, rubbing all sides of the mask and the ties. Then, you can place your mask in high heat in a normal dryer to sanitize it further. Try to do this after every use to minimize disease spread.

Then, you can place your custom face mask in storage to keep it protected. You don’t have to put it in any specialized storage container. A simple drawer is good enough. Find an empty or relatively clean place where you can place your mask.

With these tips, you will not only benefit from wearing a mask to keep you safe, but you will also take advantage of important safeguards to ensure your mask remains clean and safe to wear. To get started creating your custom face mask, reach out today!

lapel pin

Top Tips for Maintaining Your Lapel Pin

The lapel pin is a great way to show your support for a particular cause or organization. They are also an easy and affordable way to make a fashion statement that you feel passionate about. Lapel pins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs so that they can be as unique as the person wearing them. Whether you want something trendy or traditional, there’s probably something on this list for you. Here are some tips to keep your lapel pin looking good for years to come.

1. A Polish Cloth Is Your Friend

Make sure to clean and shine the lapel pin periodically. This will help preserve its appearance and prevent any dulling or tarnishing that can occur over time due to micro-abrasions, sweat, dirt, and oil on fingers. A dry, soft cloth should work well.

2. Protect It From the Elements

Take care to protect your lapel pin in high-intensity weather conditions like rain, snow, and salt spray, which can cause rusting and other damage that is difficult to reverse. Also, be wary of using “over-the-counter jewelry cleaner” or other harsh chemicals which can take off the plating and leave you with an ugly-looking piece of metal that is difficult to restore.

3. Don’t Drop It

Dropping (or mishandling) your lapel pin can cause damage such as scratches, dents, and even the loss of a jeweled piece. Take care when handling the lapel pin to keep it in pristine condition.

4. Keep It Away From Pets

Pets (especially cats) love to bat around small objects like lapel pins, increasing the risk of damage and loss. Make sure to store the pin out of reach from your pet’s wandering paws.

5. Use a Jewelry Box

Don’t keep your lapel pin in the open air, lying around on a table or dresser. Even if it’s out of sight, it can still be out of mind. Invest in a quality jewelry box and ensure you store each lapel pin separately with soft tissue paper to prevent damage from scratches and corrosion.

6. Take Care of It While It’s in Storage

If you don’t plan to wear it for a while, make sure to store your lapel pin in a dry and cool place away from moisture. If you ever need to clean the pin, do so with a fresh cloth and polish before putting it away again. This should help keep them looking shiny and new for years to come.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your lapel pin stays in neat condition for as long as you wear it. With this guide, you’ll be able to proudly show off your lapel pin or just keep it tucked away safely in its box without worrying about damage.

velcro patches

How to Choose the Right Backing for Your Custom Patches

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that, in 2018, there were around 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States. That’s a lot of manpower. It’s also a lot of equipment — not just the big stuff, but small things like uniform patches as well.

If you’re looking to acquire patches for official use or even just for fun, how do you choose the right backing to ensure they’ll work for their intended purpose? What options are available for patch backing and how permanent are those options? Let’s take a look at four of the most common patch backing options in a little more detail.

Sew-On Patches

Sew-on patches are the most common and also the most permanent option available. They provide a solid and durable hold that will last for years to come, even when exposed to the elements or otherwise rough environments.

Iron-On Patches

Using an adhesive material on the backing, iron-on patches are by far the easiest and fastest way to attach a patch. Use an iron to soften the backing, then place the patch where you want it. While iron-on patches are not as secure as sewn-on patches, they do provide a lasting hold that will withstand pretty much anything you can really put it through.

Velcro Patches

One step down in terms of permanence is velcro backing. Choose velcro patches if you’re looking for a secure hold that also allows for quick and easy removal and relocation.

Tape-Backing Patches

Tape is a good option for non-permanent patches used for festivals, concerts, and other events. However, be careful to choose heavy-duty tape to ensure a secure hold for as long as you want it.

There are also backing options such as plastic, button loop, and even pinning patches with safety pins. The only real limit is your imagination.

In the end, patches are a great way to decorate an outfit, show support for a cause, show affiliation with a group, or otherwise just have some fun with an old jacket or shirt. Regardless of what your end goal is, choosing the right patch backing will help you get the look you want and help the results be as permanent as you want them to be.