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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. . . |
