EVERETT — Some people serve their community by wearing a uniform.
A group of volunteers is serving Snohomish County by patching uniforms.
Literally.
They’re using cotton thread, scissors and sewing machines to stitch thousands of patches onto jackets and shirts worn by jail employees. The makeover reflects the jail’s new identity as part of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
“I have three Eagle Scouts and one other boy, so I’ve sewn my share of patches,” said Nancy Brigman, as she donated a few hours of sewing labor at the jail on Thursday morning.
The county jail and the sheriff’s office used to be two separate departments. On Jan. 1, they merged in a move intended to increase efficiency and save money.
Changing insignias is a symbolically important part of the shift. About 260 employees have been wearing the old patches. Early this year, staff voted on two designs and settled on one with a fir tree similar to the one that sheriff’s deputies already wear.
Most have three uniforms and a jacket, with a patch on each sleeve. There are more than 2,000 patches that need to be removed and replaced.
To save money in a time of budget woes, jail administrators sought help from the community. Management decided against using inmate labor. Some employees sewed their own patches.
Brigman, a 46-year-old mother from Everett, is one of several volunteers from her Mormon Church congregation.
“We’re usually looking for ways to serve in the community,” she said.
About 10 volunteers in all have answered the jail’s appeal for help. Some have returned two or more times.
Corrections Sgt. Harry Parker called them “a lifesaver for us.”
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465, nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
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