 by Jackie Rosselli
When you think of police uniforms, the color blue ultimately comes to mind. No matter where you travel, but particularly in the northeast, you would be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of departments wearing anything else. Perceived as authoritative, the color conjures up images of professionalism and competency, making it a natural for police uniforms. And before dressing down was in vogue, it was the signature shade of corporate America. By any standard, blue is considered classic.
But if you’re driving through the city of Bridgewater, Mass., a town approximately 30 minutes south of Boston, and happen to come in contact with its police officers, you’d find some of those classic navy outfits punctuated with unusual twists.
“In the beginning, our uniform program was put together by a small group of officers who worked with a limited budget,” says Sgt. Christopher Delmonte. “But slowly, times changed. We started to network with other departments and decided to create a more standardized, professional look.”
The uniforms to which Sgt. Delmonte refers are worn by Bridgewater’s honor guard. Completely redesigned in 1998, the outfits have won the praise of many, including the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), who recently named Bridgewater the Best Dressed Small City Department in its annual Best Dressed Police Department contest. The nationwide competition, now in its 25th year, honors departments that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in uniform standards.
The honor guard unit was organized officially in 1991 and included only a handful of officers who volunteered their time. Due to budget constraints, members wore formal dress coats handed down from retiring officers. But that all changed in 1998. The unit’s uniforms were updated from hat style to color combinations. “It’s a completely custom look,” says Bob Reggiannini, president of Canterbury Clothing, supplier of the uniforms and collaborator on their design. “They wanted something that set them apart from other departments in the area, that made them look a bit different.” Canterbury Clothing, a manufacturer specializing in custom police and fire wear since the 1930s, spent several sessions with the officers before a final choice was made.
The resultant look includes a custom coat colored in navy that is made of a blended poly/wool Raeford fabric. Sleeves are trimmed in light banker’s grey with silver piping, as are the epaulettes, collar and cuffs. “The sleeve trim, epaulettes, top collar and pant trim are custom as well,” notes Reggiannini. “They are made from a fabric that is different from the coat.”
Silver, a color that was used in previous uniforms, is carried over in the current garments. “Over 90 percent of our fasteners and insignias are accented with silver, and this holds true for the honor guard as well as patrol uniforms,” says Sgt. Delmonte. The only exception is command personnel, who are distinguished by gold trim surrounding their uniforms’ silver markings.
The color grey, too, has a history with the Bridgewater PD. “Although before my time, some of our members can recall when grey shirts were part of the uniform program,” says Delmonte. “When re-outfitting our unit, we felt that we could achieve a sharper image by using the color as a trim. So we used grey highlights on the coat and added a grey stripe to the trouser. White shirts replaced the grey, and we added black ties to finish the look.”
Another interesting deviation was the choice of hat styles. While most city departments don a round cap, Bridgewater selected a style most often associated with state law enforcement units the campaign hat. “The headwear gives us a more formal look, which is better suited to the ceremonial duties undertaken by the honor guard,” notes Delmonte. “It’s a bit unusual for this area, but it really helps them to stand out,” adds Reggiannini.
Of course, a custom look comes at a cost. “From head to toe, it costs between $1,200 and $1,500 per person to attire the 18-member unit,” says Delmonte. While the steep price tag could have prohibited the new look from going forward, Bridgewater is fortunate to have the support of its union. “The money is raised through the union, which solicits the general public for donations for many projects, including this one.”
Since its redesign, members of the honor guard have participated in numerous memorials, marches and funerals throughout the country, lending support and solidarity with other departments in times of need. They have even traveled abroad, representing the United States in the World Police Canine Championships in Germany.
“Police service is one of the most challenging professions ever created, and we are charged with managing the difficulties that come with such a job,” says Sgt. Delmonte. “We do so with pride and integrity, and show our dedication in part through higher uniform and appearance standards. At the same time, our uniforms are a silent tribute to those who have served before us.”
While noted for its honor guard, the Bridgewater Police Department has other uniforms of which they are proud. Its everyday uniform is equally sharp, and consists of an LAPD [Los Angeles Police Department] blue shirt, blue trouser striped with light blue, black tie and leather gear. The more traditional eight-point hat replaces the campaign style employed by the honor guard. “The eight-point is more functional for everyday police work,” explains Sgt. Delmonte. And unlike the honor guard, this uniform is purchased by the department. The agency also has several specialized areas, including a K-9 and motorcycle unit. Its bike patrol utilizes two uniforms — short navy pants and short-sleeved shirts in summer, and long pants and shirt topped with a light blue jacket during winter. The uniforms are affixed with microphones, enabling hands-free communication between officers.
“When you’re in trouble, nothing is more reassuring and comforting than the presence of a uniformed police officer,” says NAUMD Executive Director Bernard Lepper. “A well-dressed officer exudes professionalism and boosts public confidence. We are proud to honor Bridgewater’s uniform program and all others who recognize the link between appearance and police work.”
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