OLYMPIA — It’s a look that lead-footed drivers know all too well: the crisp black bow tie and blue “Smokey bear” hat of a Washington State Patrol trooper.
And according to a national trade group, those outfits are the best-looking state police uniforms in the country.
The patrol, which has been wearing the peaked hats and distinctive bow ties for about 70 years, recently was named America’s best-dressed state police agency by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors.
It’s the 30th year the association has held its “Best-Dressed Law Enforcement” contest, with winners named in eight categories.
Washington’s state troopers have taken runner-up honors before, but this is the first year their getup has been recognized as tops in the country, said Capt. Bill Hilton, who helped compile the agency’s award application.
“If you really want to be the best, you have to look your best,” State Patrol Chief John Batiste said.
As one of the winners, the Washington State Patrol will get an award plaque and take part in a photo spread for “Law and Order” magazine, association spokeswoman Jackie Rosselli said Tuesday.
“It’s a big deal in the law enforcement community … It’s bragging rights for departments nationwide,” Rosselli said. “We do it because we believe that uniforms are an important part of projecting the image that is necessary for the work that they do.”
Judges were impressed by the Washington troopers’ formal uniform, which includes the black bow tie on a long-sleeved blue shirt, with darker blue pocket flaps, epaulets and cuffs.
Matching blue pants sport a dark blue stripe down the side, and the peaked, flat-brimmed dark blue felt cap tops it all off. The uniforms are supplied by the Seattle-based Blumenthal Uniform Co.
There are several variations of a Washington trooper’s uniform, depending on duty, and many don’t wear the formal bow tie in day-to-day service.
But on particular occasions, the full complement of clothes can project a certain bearing, Hilton said.
“You check to see that things are straight before you head out the door, and the brass is shined up,” he said. “Sometimes, my wife will comment that it’s taking me a bit of time to get ready.”
This year’s runner-up in the state police category was the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Rosselli said.
Tennessee’s patrol officers wear olive pants and a khaki shirt with green accents, including a long neck tie. Their dark green hat is similar in style to a Washington trooper’s.
Spokesman Mike Browning hadn’t heard of the agency’s “Outstanding Achievement Award” on Tuesday, but he pointed out that Tennessee recently was honored by the International Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs as the best highway patrol of its size.
“So I guess it’s in keeping with that — not only do we conduct safety enforcement at a very high level, we also do it with a recognized appearance,” Browning said.
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