State Patrol troopers’ uniforms considered the best in the U.S.

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

A salmon carcass lays across willow branches in Edgecomb Creek on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts

Court-ordered projects have sparked collaboration for salmon habitat restoration

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.