The NAUMD Best Dressed Public Safety Departments for 2018

Omaha, NE - The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) released the winners of its annual Best Dressed Public Safety Competition, a program that calls attention to the important role uniforms play in law enforcement and public safety. The award celebrates the manufacturers, law enforcement departments and first responders that go the extra mile to create versatile, functional and stylish uniforms that represent public safety professionals.

Uniforms may appear very similar, but to the countless departments who have entered the NAUMD’s Best Dressed Public Safety Competition, uniforms have a greater meaning and purpose. “Uniforms have a powerful impact on how employees are perceived, and this is particularly true in law enforcement and public safety,” said Steve Zalkin, NAUMD president. “This year’s winners have worked hard to ensure they have the best uniforms to meet their specific needs, and we’re proud to recognize their achievements.”

The Winners (By Category)

Departments with less than 100 Officers: Perrysburg Township PD, by Superior Uniform Sales, Toledo, OH.

2018's Best Dressed: Department with Less Than 100 Officers, Perrysburg Township (Ohio) Police Department. Uniform by Superior Uniform Sales.

Departments with 100-500 Officers: South Dakota Highway Patrol, by Spiewak; distributed by Streicher’s, Minneapolis, MN

2018's Best Dressed: Department with 100 to 500 Officers, South Dakota Highway Patrol. Uniform by Spiewak; distributed by Streicher's.

Departments with Over 500 Officers: Missouri State Highway Patrol, by Spiewak

2018's Best Dressed: Department with Over 500 Officers, Missouri State Highway Patrol. Uniform by Spiewak.

First Responders, Medium Department: Melbourne Fire Department, by Red the Uniform Tailor a Galls Company, Lexington, KY

2018's Best Dressed: First Responders - Medium Department, Melbourne Fire Department (the Melbourne Fire Honor Guard pictured). Uniform by Red the Uniform Tailor, a Galls Co.

First Responders, Large Department: Orange County Fire Rescue Department, by Red the Uniform Tailor a Galls Company, Lexington, KY

2018's Best Dressed: First Responders, The Orange County Fire Rescue Department. Uniform by Red the Uniform Tailor

Judges review each department’s professional appearance and uniform diversity, paying close attention to detail and written standards. Since many officers have specific 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? Most importantly, can the public immediately identify the wearer as a professional law enforcement officer?

Now in its 41st year, the Best Dressed Public Safety Competition is open to departments across North America. Entries are solicited throughout fall and winter, and winners are announced at the NAUMD’s annual convention each spring. All winning departments and their suppliers receive plaques.

For more information about the NAUMD or the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards, visit www.naumd.com, or email Steve Zalkin, steve at naumd.com.

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 hosts an annual convention and trade show where attendees can source products, learn about trends, and gain practical, take-home knowledge to better run their business.