3 Critical Things to Keep in Mind When Designing Custom Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are considered one of the most important accessories for a police officer or government agent. To some people, a pin is more important than the official badge patch or emblem.

Suppose you are considering designing a lapel pin for your agency or department. In that case, you may want to keep a few factors in mind to ensure that the end product not only looks authoritative but professional as well. Read on to learn more.

Simplicity Matters

Some of the most outstanding pins only use two or three colors. When you look at an assortment of lapel pins, you will realize that the main reason why using many colors is not advisable is the size. Pins are typically tiny accessories that you will have on your clothing before you head out.

You should remember that one key function of professional emblems and pins is to do the introduction for you. If you make the mistake of designing your pin with a rainbow of colors, the people you interact with will not be able to make out your agency or department fast enough. Another key reason to avoid using too many colors is the cost. You want to work with fewer colors because they do not increase the production cost too much.

Think about what goes on in your mind when you see a limo pick a suited man with a US flag lapel pin. You will automatically associate him with a government agency. An official pin is similar to the uniform worn by police, EMS, and fire departments.

A simple design is more than the color you choose for the pin. You should think about your agency’s identity and the overall message you want to send using the pin. A good place to start is with the department’s logo. Given that most logos are extremely detailed, you can easily draw a simpler version of the logo and add a few touches to simplify the pin design.

The Edges Should Be Smooth

The edges of the pin design are just as important as the overall size of the accessory. You should avoid designing a lapel pin that has a tight squeeze around the edges. Such a design is undesirable since it allows some metal fill to remain on the end product. Most cutting tools are not rigged to cut the edges of the pins smoothly.

Sudden changes in contours should be well-defined on the pin design. A great way to do this is highlighting such details with a color change. For instance, when designing a US flag pin, raising the white stripes and sinking the red ones will make for a more sturdy design. The same thing applies to agencies such as the sheriff or highway patrol offices.

Choose Colors Wisely

How you choose colors is perhaps the most important design decision you can make. Filling various sections of the pin with a perfect color will make it stand out. If you want a lapel pin that mimics your department’s logo, you may follow the original emblem colors. However, you should not constrain yourself to the exact color shade as the logo if it does not make sense.

Sometimes, closely following the exact color shade will make your pins less appealing. In others, you may realize that keeping certain colors will have people confuse your agency for a different one. Given that pins are usually tiny compared to logos and emblems, some of the designs and colors you have in mind may not work. Do not shy away from making a few compromises by trying slight variations of your colors for a unique design.

The popularity of lapel pins can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty in 1271 AD. In the United States, pins and emblems are used by the 17,985 agencies that include police departments, Sheriff’s offices, federal agencies, and highway patrols. Today, pins have become even more popular as various organizations attempt to differentiate their workers in public.

A well-designed lapel pin not only appeals to an officer but adds an aura of authenticity and professionalism. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about the design tips discussed above.

two police officers gaze at a phone screen

3 Types of Identification Policemen, Firefighters, and EMS Providers Should Know

Being a policeman, firefighter, EMS, or a similar position of authority can be challenging on its own. With the seemingly countless rules, regulations, policies, and standards, it can be hard to know what the individuals in related job fields might be doing. Here are some of the most common forms of identification and symbolism you might see from those in authority or medical positions.

1. Badges

Badges are notoriously one of the oldest and well-known forms of identification, especially among police officers and those in law enforcement. Many badges are metallic in appearance and contain an engraved identification number unique to the individual wearing it. Badges can be very specific as well, as they might mean different things. Standardly, any badge coming from a county sheriff’s office will have a five, six, or seven-pointed star, while any badge coming from municipal police will have the shape of a shield.

2. Patches

Unlike many law enforcement officials whose primary form of identification is often their badge, many firefighters and EMS officials use patches as their go-to means of identification. In fire departments, patches are often extremely customized to the specific purposes, geography, and type of work or emergencies they may see. To keep it less confusing, firefighters will often have a database of all international and domestic patches, so they can easily identify the meanings and departments behind each patch.

EMS officials, on the other hand, are often known for the Star of Life symbol that has become recognizable on their patches. This means that many EMS providers can be seen wearing a patch with the star, as well as other organization-specific patches. Some EMS officials even wear a combination of badges and patches.

3. Pins

One of the most common types of pins you might encounter is a lapel pin, which is smaller in size and typically worn on the outside of clothing to show one’s affiliation with a certain group, cause, or organization. Pins can be worn by firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS providers alike, although they are arguably most associated with police officers. Usually, they will mean different things to each individual wearing them and can be very customizable.

The world of pins, patches, and badges can be very confusing when taking into account the different habits, customs, and traditions of different officials. Remember, every department and branch is different, and some exclusions may apply to these points. Hopefully, you will be better prepared for the next time you encounter a professional wearing something on their uniform. Maybe this article has even inspired you to buy some new patches or pins for your own uniform! Whatever the case, stay safe and keep protecting!

pins

Police Patches: Why Invest in Bulk Now

It’s best to keep police patches in stock in bulk fashion. Keep in mind that the police force is growing with over 800,000 sworn-in officers working in the U.S. now, which is the highest number to date. When you keep police pins and law enforcement patches in stock, you do your part to ensure you have the ability to provide complete uniforms at any time, as the police force continues to grow across the nation.

Consider this: when it the last time you wondered, ‘What are the police patches we have in stock?’ If you haven’t been keeping a close tab on the types of patches you have in the stockroom or you have no clue if you have enough police face mask coverings for everyone you employ, you should consider buying police patches and other items in bulk. Here’s why.

You Remain Prepared

Even as you keep your police staff outfitted with proper protective gear and masks, you should have the right identifiers on your police uniforms as well. Remember that there’s not just your police station to keep in mind when it comes to using patches. There are thousands of police officers needing the same supplies you do for your team.

Before you run out of patches and pins, have them ordered in bulk supply. This way, should there be a backup in patches, you have the ones you need to supply your ever-growing police force.

You Save Money

Investing in more pins and patches for your police station comes back to you in many ways, and one of them is saving money. Buying in bulk is cheaper for the supplier or manufacturer, so therefore it’s cheaper for you. If you want to save money and keep your police force budget from being over-spent, buy police patches in bulk. You save money on the actual patches and save money on the shipping costs since you are making fewer purchases at one time.

You Protect Your Officers

Take a look at your inventory saved for police uniforms and ask yourself this: ‘What do we lack regarding police patches we have in stock?’ Your officers are only as protected as the uniforms they have, and they need to have the right pins, patches, and other stocked police necessities to ensure a healthy operating police force.

Buy the pins, police patches, and other identifying patches for your police officers in bulk so you have beautiful and professional police uniforms for your entire staff. You’ll get price quotes for the accessories you choose, so you can shop accordingly from your trusted supplier. If you’re wondering among your staff, ‘What patches we have in stock compared to what we need?’, it’s time to start buying in bulk.

fire department patches

Fire Department Patches: Why Invest in Quality Products?

When you invest in the best quality fire department patches you can find, you do your crew a great service. You can choose a company that makes the types of patches you need, such as velcro patches that can be removed and placed on uniforms as needed, or you can buy the fire department patches that are affixed permanently to the uniforms of the service people you employ.

With over a million volunteer and career-style firefighters in the nation as of 2018, it’s easy to find a company to supply you with the custom types of patches you need. However, it’s important that you focus on the quality of the items you order. Here are the reasons why focusing on quality is key.

You Make Uniforms Look More Professional

When you have fire department patches designed professionally, you make your fire dept uniforms look even more professional than they already are. You want to focus on the stitch work and the vibrancy of all the patches you have put on your team, so everyone feels equal and appreciated, from your volunteer firefighters to those who do the work professionally as a career.

You Make Uniforms Last Longer

Investing in quality patches for your fire department personnel means you also invest in their uniforms as a whole. When you ensure the patches are of great quality by choosing a great fire department patch designer for your needs, you do even more to ensure that the uniforms last a long time. The more you invest in the fire department uniforms as a whole, the less money you have to spend on repairs or replacements as a preventative measure.

You Get More for Your Investment

Whether you buy your fire department patches in bulk or on an as-needed basis, you want to make sure you get great value for your investment. Quality matters in ensuring you have patches that won’t easily tear or fade, or bleed into the design of the rest of the uniform. Patches should be vibrant and easy to read, which will make them effective in identifying your firefighters in most situations.

You Get Reliable Patches That Work

The purpose of the fire department patches is to help make your firefighters feel like they are part of your unit and that they can be easily identified in the event of a dangerous scenario. Reliable patches that don’t fade or come off, even if they are made with Velcro backing, are beneficial to your fire department team.

Work with a company that makes patches for police and fire departments so you get the most out of your investment. A company with a great turnaround time and a reliable reputation is the one you want for all your patches, pins, badges, and more. Ask about bulk prices because they may be cheaper than you would pay for individual patches.

 

5 Reasons Why You Should Introduce Custom Made Patches to You Organization

The internet has revolutionized how different organizations communicate with their employees and customers. Organizations are now using video content, social media, and blogs as their advertising tools. However, there are other important forms of advertising that organizations should not overlook. One such example is badge patches. Keep reading to find out how a badge patch can take your organization to the next level.

Creates a Sense of Belonging

An organization whose employees feel they belong is bound to be successful. One way you can make your employees feel like part of a team is by introducing a lapel pin. A lapel pin is worn to show affiliation with a cause or organization. Policemen, military personnel, and firemen are some of the professions that are commonly worn lapel pins.

If you are looking to keep your employees motivated, it is high time you tried custom made patches. For example, police officers can wear a custom police Velcro patch as part of their uniform. This little patch gives them a sense of belonging, enhancing their performance.

Brand Recognition

Brand retention is important for any business. If you would like your brand to remain relevant in the market, custom made patches will do that for you. Velcro patches for your employees are a perfect way to ensure that your brand is noticed and stays relevant. Most police officers, for example, wear a custom police Velcro patch that makes them stand out. In addition to the physical aspect, the productivity level increases.

Advertisement

A simple act such as having your employees wear a custom patch goes a long way in advertising. Employees who wear custom patches are like walking billboards. Everyone who sees them will know that they work with a certain organization.

Firemen who wear fire department patches are easy to recognize. The same case applies to a police officer wearing a custom police Velcro patch. If you are looking for an easy advertising tool for your organization, you should try Velcro patches or lapel pins.

Enhances Professionalism

Employees who wear badge patches look professional and bold. A Custom police Velcro patch, for example, makes a police officer stand out and look very professional. Clients will easily connect with your employees if they look professional.

A custom Velcro patch will help assure clients that your employees know what they are doing. By building your clients’ trust, your business will grow.

Security

One of the major concerns of most organizations is security. Organizations will install cameras and have security personnel at different points for security. Another great way of enhancing security is requiring your employees to wear custom patches.

A custom police Velcro patch makes it possible to identify an individual as a police officer. A person not wearing a police patch or badge cannot conduct the duties of a police officer. If they try to do anything in the capacity of a police officer, they can be identified as a threat to security.

Final Word

Custom patches are a great way to take your business or organization to the next level. The best thing about custom patches is that they are easy to make and can be incorporated into almost any uniform or cloth. If you are looking for a reliable custom patch creator for your business, contact us today.

Why Frontline Workers Should Wear Face Masks During COVID-19

There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way we all go about our daily lives. But because COVID-19 is such a new threat, we’re learning more about it as the pandemic rages on. Recommendations that were made back in March may not hold as true today for the simple fact that we’re discovering more about the virus — and how it spreads — as cases become more prevalent. While this can be confusing for many of us, it’s essential that we follow the guidelines laid out by leading health officials in order to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and members of our communities.

Regardless of the rules that your municipality may have in place, the use of face coverings and masks is a recommended practice for anyone who cannot maintain at least six feet of distance from others outside their home. However, you may be wondering about the actual effectiveness of face masks or have questions about whether it’s necessary for frontline workers to wear them in public. We hope this post will clear up any confusion you may have and illustrate the importance of this type of facial protection.

Do Face Masks Really Do Anything?

At the very start of the pandemic, the CDC actually made recommendations against the widespread use of face coverings and masks. However, those recommendations were amended fairly quickly once experts learned more about asymptomatic carriers and transmission. After it was discovered that infected persons could easily spread COVID-19 to others before they ever showed symptoms, national and international health organizations alike made it clear that face masks were one of several important preventative measures we can take to reduce the transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Of course, different kinds of masks offer different levels of protection. Surgical and N95 masks offer a greater level of protection than cloth masks, but masks made of cloth can be surprisingly effective in reducing the spread of disease. Recent evidence suggests that cloth masks can keep respiratory droplets and aerosols (which can easily spread the virus) from traveling to infect others. Ultimately, mask-wearing is most successful when used in tandem with other preventative measures — but it’s a step we can’t afford to overlook.

Why Should Frontline Workers Take These Extra Health Precautions?

Many of those working in public health and safety feel that it’s important for the public to see their entire faces. That may explain why law enforcement officers and other personnel nationwide have often been seen without face coverings. In other cases, frontline workers may not realize the extreme danger; they may even think that because they put their own safety on the line every day at work, they’re used to taking risks.

While it may be a valid concern that frontline workers need to make sure their faces can clearly be seen by the general public, it’s perhaps even more important to be concerned with your own health and the well-being of anyone with whom you come into contact. Those who work at the 17,985 police agencies and other public safety organizations nationwide are considered essential.

As a frontline worker, your job involves direct work with the public — and that puts you at a much higher risk for contracting COVID-19. We know that many people infected with COVID-19 won’t show symptoms for up to two weeks, while some may never show any symptoms at all. Because of that, you or someone you help could be carrying the novel coronavirus without realizing it. And since we know that face masks can make a significant difference in how COVID-19 spreads, wearing one is a way to protect yourself and others while you’re at work.

Where Can I Find Masks Specifically Designed For Frontline Workers?

Fortunately, many companies with the ability to do so have added a face mask to their product lines. We were already entrusted with making patches and pins for frontline workers — so it only makes sense that we can now make customized masks for agencies all across the country. For more information on our high-quality custom masks, please get in touch today.

Why Get Custom Badges for Your Fire Department

Across the nation, here are more than a million firefighters, both in the career and volunteer sectors. These individuals risk their lives to keep the public and the environment safe in the event of a fire or other natural disaster.

Part of what makes a firefighter fit their role is the uniform they wear. To help your volunteer and career firefighters feel personally important and to give them greater security that they can be individually identified in the event of an accident or other issue, a fire department patch is necessary. You can create a custom badge or a custom patch for your firefighters to wear, which can make a big difference in how they operate in the field and how easily identifiable they can be when it matters most. Here are reasons to consider pins, badges, patches, and other identifying accessories for your firefighters.

Each Firefighter Has Their Own Identity

Yes, you want your firefighter crew to work and be recognized as a team, but each person is still an individual with their own strengths, personality, and special skills. When you have fire department patches made that are custom for each person on your team, you show them that you care about them as individual people as well as a unit, and you do your part to create a tighter team in the process.

Each Firefighter Needs Their Own Identifier

If your firefighters were to take on a massive fire or cover a lot of ground, you need to be able to quickly identify each individual at a glance. This is no easy feat when each employee or volunteer firefighter wears the same colored suit or they are all wearing protective gear protecting their faces.

A custom patch placed on the back, forearm, or front of each firefighter, either designed in a custom shape, color, or with a certain set of initials on the badge or patch, can help make identifying each firefighter easier. This way, should you need to organize your crew or a single firefighter were to go missing, you’d have the proper identifiers to quickly determine what you need to do.

You can order custom patches and badges by the lot or on an as-needed basis for your crew. A custom badge helps a firefighter feel even more unique and needed on the crew and can make a difference in work performance and safety overall.

Why Your Department Needs A Quality Patch

In the United States alone, there are more than 800,000 sworn in law enforcement officials nationwide. These police officers, in addition to the many other emergency personnel such as firefighters and EMTs, need professional uniforms to display to the community that they are trustworthy. Velcro patches allow these various types of emergency service departments to easily identify to the public who they are.

The patches worn by law enforcement, fire departments, and EMT services are important to their uniform. A first responder’s uniform allows those in need to quickly identify the first responders and let them know who they are affiliated with. It is important for emergency services personnel to have professional uniforms in order to promote solidarity between the individuals, as well as show their service to their community.

The Importance Of The Emergency Responder Uniform

The uniform worn by first responders is more than just a way to distinguish emergency personnel from others in a crowd. Emergency responders are always in the public eye, and their appearance matters significantly to how others view them. It is important that emergency responders look professional in order to evoke trust and respect, and ensure the public that they can assist them if needed.

Velcro patches allow these departments to display the communities they serve on their arm. It is important to hire a reputable badge creator in order to receive quality velcro patches. Velcro police patches are the most effective way to display your department, as they can be easily removed when the uniform is being washed or needs to be replaced.

Instills Trust In The Public

Uniforms worn by public officials such as police officers, firefighters, and EMTs allow the public to be able to trust that they are an official organization, and that they are trained and skilled in their professions.

First responders are constantly on the front lines. Their uniforms are their key identifiers that they are official first responders and there to help. The police, fire, or ems patches are one of the most important aspects of the uniform, and should not be overlooked. It is important to order your patches from a reputable company with a good track record of quality. Therefore, your uniforms will be professional, and allow your department to confidently serve the public.

3 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make When Looking for a Patch Creator

Custom embroidered patches and lapel pins, small pins worn on clothing to show affiliation with an organization, are a great way to show professionalism and camaraderie with your fire department. However, when you’re looking for a patch creator, it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re getting top quality patches for your department.

To help you avoid making an embroidery mistake, here are a few of the most common mistakes departments and organizations make when looking for a patch creator.

  • Failing to consider the entire uniform. It’s true that thread colors are essential when it comes to designing your fire department patches. However, it’s just as important to consider the rest of your fire department uniform before you begin choosing thread colors. The idea is for your patches to stand out against the uniform. If your fire department wears black shirts with patches that are predominantly black, those patches aren’t likely to show up. That said, make sure to consider contrast when you’re choosing your thread colors with your patch creator.
  • Not addressing problems in the early stages. If you’re not sure about the thread color, thread type, or the backing of your fire department patches, it’s vital to address this uncertainty with your patch creator as early on in the process as possible. Communication is key when it comes to creative endeavors and that including creating patches for fire departments. The longer you wait to bring up a detail that’s bothering you, the longer it’ll take for you to get your fire department’s final patch designs.
  • Not considering which backing options are best. It’s never a good idea to assume that a certain backing option for your fire department patches will work for your department. For instance, you might assume that an adhesive backing may be ideal for your patches only to learn that the patches fall right off. That said, make sure to consider the different backing options your patch creator has available. If you’re not sure about which patches would work best for your department, talk to your patch creator to get more information.

Do you need professional patches for fire departments? The Emblem Authority has the experienced fire department patch designers you need to create the patches you want. Whether you’re interested in embroidered patches or lapel pins, our designers have got you covered. To learn more about our patches for fire departments, contact the Emblem Authority today.

3 Reasons Police And Fire Departments Need Emblems

Throughout the country, emblems or patches have been one of the key identifiers for emergency personnel. Emblems allow police, fire, or EMT workers to be easily identified, and act as proof that they are associated with a certain organization. Furthermore, an emblem completes an officer’s uniform, which exerts public safety and security among civilians.

Why Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMT’s Need Professional Uniforms

Emergency personnel and other types of rapid response authority need emblems to further establish the legitimacy of their organization, putting the public at ease as to who they’re dealing with. Emblems complete the uniform of these emergency responders, as they evoke trust and responsibility. For example, a fire department patch must be easily identifiable, as they are usually red and distinguishable from other types of emergency personnel.

The uniform of police or fire departments is universally identifiable, as civilians are taught to recognize these types of uniforms in case of emergency or distress. The emergency response uniform is one of dignity, respect, and professionalism that many emergency response personnel take great pride in. Serving their community is their goal, which makes it a profession of public service.

Emergency response personnel often serve towns, cities, states, and other municipalities, therefore, the emblem worn on their uniform is the name of the community they are committed to serve. Police, fire, as well as EMS patches are staples on all uniforms, therefore, it is important to utilize quality patches that can withstand the daily duties of emergency response personnel.

The Importance Of Quality Police, EMS and Fire Dept Patches

In a sense, the uniform of emergency response personnel exerts a non-verbal form of communication. The police patch demonstrates keeping the community safe and out of harm’s way. The fire dept patches represent professionalism in combating fires, gas leaks, and other harmful entities that put the lives of the public in peril. The EMS patch displays the medical efficacy to care for someone in the middle of a medical episode, and give them comfort knowing that experienced professionals are on scene.

Because of the rigorous conditions that emergency personnel experience daily, oftentimes putting their lives on the line for their community, it is important to have a quality emblem that strongly boasts the name of the community they serve. In the United States alone, there are close to 800,000 police officers, and almost 18,000 police departments nationwide. Thus, organizations producing quality patches are vital to the nation’s many communities.

Quality Fire Dept patches and other emergency response agencies are important to the community, as other than vehicles, these are the most widely known symbols of emergency agencies. The uniform worn by emergency services is to provide comfort for those in harm’s way, that help has arrived, and that a trusted and trained emergency service member will keep the community safe and rectify the danger at hand.

Professionalism, solidarity, and community service are all hallmarks of emergency service personnel serving our communities, thus, quality uniforms and patches are an imperative part of their mission of serving and protecting the public.