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DID YOU
KNOW THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE TROOPER UNIFORM PATCH HAS A STORY BEHIND IT?
In the late 1960's, many local police agencies, even police officers
themselves, were designing and wearing various patches, and even designing their own
uniforms, some of which very similar to state police trooper uniforms. many people could
not tell the difference between state police troopers and local police officers... |
This caused some problems which
persisted until 1985. Commissioner Jay Cochran selected six Troopers to study the problem,
and suggest a uniform that would be worn exclusively by State Troopers. The most
important issue to be dealt with was the shoulder patch itself. the Troopers made
numerous suggestions for changes to the uniforms of the State Troopers, most notably, an
entirely unique patch to define and separate State Troopers from the officers of
other agencies. The elements and colors within the patch were each chosen
specifically to reflect traditions and symbolism significant to Pennsylvania State
Troopers.
For example: the entire modern day trooper patch design rests within a field of jet black.
Black was selected to represent the departments early history of quelling violence in
Pennsylvania's coal regions.
At the bottom of the patch, "Trooper" is embroidered in gold letters.
No matter how high an individual rises within the ranks of the state police, their role as
a Trooper is foremost.
The patch, and the Pennsylvania keystone, are outlined in the same gold.
this signifies the value that State Troopers place upon their obligation to duty and their
profession.
The coat of arms adopted from Pennsylvania's state seal is a unifying symbol for all who
wear the Trooper uniform.
Surrounding the coat of arms, the silver starburst is reminiscent of the starburst affixed
to the "bobby hats" of the early uniforms worn by the first 228 troopers.
State Police Superintendent, Col. John C. Groome, designed the first uniform, and the
bobby hat.
The field of red behind the state coat of arms honors the shed blood of Pennsylvania State
Police troopers who laid down their lives in the performance of duty. To date 90
troopers are included on the killed in the line of duty list.
Overall, the patch, put
officially into play in 1988 and used through the present day, serves as a reminder to the
Troopers themselves, and a reminder to Pennsylvania's citizens, that those who have earned
the right to wear the patch possess
the will, and have been granted the authority, to enforce laws and maintain order across
the commonwealth.
Today the authorized complement of Pennsylvania State Police Troopers is over 4,600 sworn
members. Serving alongside them, over 1,600 civilian personnel perform a variety of
support roles.
THE PRESENT DAY
UNIFORM PATCH (shown above)
WAS PRECEDED BY THESE UNIFORM PATCHES. . . |
