ORLANDO - April 5, 2013 - The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) announced the seven winners of its Best Dressed Public Safety Awards program. Developed to recognize the critical role uniforms play in law enforcement and public safety, the awards honor both the wearer and supplier of the apparel program. Awards were distributed during a reception in Orlando.
“There is nothing more comforting to a community than an easily identifiable, uniformed police officer, particularly in a time of crisis,” said Richard J. Lerman, President and CEO of the NAUMD. “In law enforcement, a visible, uniformed public safety presence on the street, at a mall or other institution can add a sense of security and help comfort the public or allay fears.”
Winners of the 2013 Best Dressed Public Safety Awards
Departments, Under 2,000 Officers
- Florida Highway Patrol, VF Imagewear, supplier
Departments, Over 200 Officers
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, VF Imagewear, supplier
Departments, Under 200 Officers
- Aberdeen Police Department, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier
Departments, Under 100 Officers
- Madison Police Department, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier
State Agency
- Louisiana State Police, I. Spiewak, supplier
Sheriff’s Office
- Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier
Specialized Agency
- Texas A&M University Core of Cadets, Fechheimer Bros., supplier
Now in its 36th year, the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards is open to all public safety departments across North America. Participants must submit a completed entry form, as well as photographs depicting the various uniforms in their program. An independent panel of experts reviews each department’s professional appearance and uniform diversity, paying close attention to detail and written standards.
Since officers have varying assignments and patrol details, there are many factors to consider, including the following: Does the uniform fit the job function? Is the appearance neat and do the garments fit properly? What role do fabrics play in the overall look? Most importantly, can the public immediately identify the wearer as a professional, law enforcement officer?
“A well-dressed officer commands respect, for he or she will be viewed as a professional and a voice of authority,” says Deron Gerber, NAUMD public safety committee chair. “Uniforms, therefore, are an integral part of police work, and calling attention to the importance of uniforms is the driving force behind this competition.”
For more information on the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards or the 2013 NAUMD Convention and Exhibition, call (516) 393-5838 or visit http://naumd.com/index.php/events/2012-expoconvention.
About NAUMD
The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) has served as the voice of the uniform and image apparel industries since 1933. Its 500+ members include manufacturers, designers, producers, and retailers of uniforms, as well as those who produce products and services for the industry at large.
The NAUMD works to protect the interests of its members through a series of advocacy, education, and public relations campaigns intended to arm them with the tools needed to retain and capture business in a global economy. The association has authored a number of position papers and has an extensive library of information from which members can further their understanding of the uniform marketplace. NAUMD also conducts a series of professional development seminars both in the United States and Canada, and hosts an annual convention and trade show where attendees can source products, learn about the latest trends, and gain practical, take-home knowledge to better run their business.
