National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors

Awards to be presented during 2009 NAUMD Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas!

NEW YORK – The 2008-09 NAUMD Best Dressed Law Enforcement Awards, the annual competition recognizing outstanding design in Public Safety uniforms, will be dramatically updated with a broader range of professional judges, and a streamlined judging process. In addition, in a move to improve the promotion and recognition of the winners, all will be honored during a gala Awards Welcome Breakfast during the NAUMD Annual Convention in Las Vegas on April 24^th, at a ceremony featuring a multi-media presentation. In addition, the program will be re-named “The NAUMD Best Dressed Public Safety Awards,” so as to recognize all categories of public safety. The program will now also include awards for new members from both Canada & Mexico!

“Our goal is to re-establish the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards as the gold standard of public safety apparel and accessories design,” said Richard J. Lerman, President of the North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors. “By engaging outstanding public safety authorities, media and professionals as our judges, and streamlining the judging process through an on-line web-based process, we are insuring maximum member participation and expert evaluation of these important programs.”

WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

NAUMD’s

Best Dressed Law

Enforcement Awards Program

Right: Rowlett Texas Police & Bruce Klein & Michael Bucks of Red the Uniform Tailor

New York, NY, October 18, 2007 -- Officials of The National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) today announced the winners of the annual "NAUMD Best Dressed Law Enforcement Competition," a program honoring the nation’s best uniform program designs & programs and the police departments who wear them.

Some may wonder what distinguishes one uniform from another. Indeed, on the surface, uniforms are very similar, decidedly consistent and standard in overall appearance. But to the countless departments who have entered the NAUMD Best Dressed Law Enforcement Awards throughout its 30-year life, and to the program’s sponsor, the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), uniforms have a greater meaning and purpose.

Those queried in various surveys believed uniform wearers to be more trustworthy and credible, professionals with the ability to get the job done. “In law enforcement, a visible, impressive uniformed police presence on the street, at a mall, or other institution can also work to significantly allay the public’s fears, bringing more business to the establishment,” notes NAUMD President Richard Lerman. “As unfortunate past events have shown, in times of crisis, there is nothing more comforting to a community than an easily identifiable uniformed police officer.”

That is because uniforms are the ultimate communicator of image and authority. They are essential to security and law enforcement work, for it is how the public identifies who can help them when they are in need.

What makes a department stand out? Here’s a quick look at this year’s top winners:

· Independence, MO, Police Department – Alamar Uniform Company, supplier. Besting others in its category, This department’s dressed to impress look is classic – uniforms are blue; ties black in color. Officers have the option of wearing a long sleeved shirt and tie or turtleneck in winter. A navy blue crew neck t-shirt may be substituted for the turtleneck at the officer’s expense. Caps are worn at all official functions and are optional at other times.

· Rowlett, TX, Police Department – Red the Uniform Tailor, supplier. Rowlett’s uniforms are made from natural, durable and breathable fabrics, a must given the Texas climate. A 55/45% Dacron poly-wool blend is used for all general issue shirts and pants. Shirts feature sewn in zippers and decorative metal buttons bearing the Lone Star of the State of Texas.

· Wyoming, MI, Police Department – Nye Uniform Company, supplier. The Class A uniform is the standard duty uniform of this department and is worn for regular assignments. The look consists of a long or short sleeved shirt with metal badge/name plate and “serving since” attachment. Ties are worn with either a tie clasp or tack. Headgear is a Lancaster style Garrison hat. These are worn with issued pant and a military style low quarter dress shoe or boot.

· Cocoa, FL, Police Department – Harrison Uniform, division of Fechheimer, supplier. This 47-member department utilizes several different uniforms, and has uniforms for its SRO, K-9, SWAT, and Marine units. Colored in classic navy, their distinctive look includes a campaign hat with badge, trouser, shirt, and black shoes and boots that are, according to standards, “capable of holding a shine.”

· New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Castle Hayne, NC – Best Uniforms, supplier. New Hanover’s highly polished appearance aptly underscores the obvious pride they feel about the profession. Outfits are crisp, neat, and impeccable. Tan, the color choice for pants and shirts, easily identifies the wearer as a Sheriff’s Office deputy. Brown, the color used for ties, pant stripe and Campaign hats, is a perfect outfit compliment.

· Huron-Clinton Metroparks Police, Brighton, MI – Metropolitan Uniform, supplier. Uniform items include forest green trousers and jackets, shirts colored in a silver-tan, and a dress blouse designed by the supplier. The HCMA logo that depicts the relationship between the people and urban rural environments has been incorporated into the shoulder patch and all vehicles. The breast badge incorporates the seven-point star that is traditional to western departments.

· Vincennes, IN, University Police Department – Siegel’s Uniforms, supplier. A 100 percent polyester dark navy blue short or long sleeved shirt features banded dress collar, pleated pockets with lined scalloped flaps with Velcro closures and five stitched-in military creases. It is worn with a navy 100 percent Dacron polyester pant treated with a LibertyGuard stain repellent. The department also utilizes high visibility rainwear that adheres to class 3 ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standards.

What distinguishes a WSP trooper today is the campaign hat and bow tie. First introduced in 1937, the black bow tie has remained a constant when wearing the winter or formal uniform, which consists of a long sleeved blue shirt and dark blue pocket flaps, French Blue pants striped with dark blue and a felt royal blue campaign hat. This uniform may be worn with the traditional bow tie or open collar with a dark blue dickie.

Now in its 30^th year, the Best Dressed Law Enforcement Competition is open to departments across the nation. Entries are solicited throughout spring and summer, and winners are announced in fall. All winning departments and their suppliers receive handsome plaques.

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?

“Uniforms are, in essence, the unspoken language of police work,” says Dan Donahue, NAUMD Law Enforcement Committee chairman. “The right look, worn proudly by a police officer, can bolster confidence while a poor selection can leave a negative impression about the department in the public’s mind.”

IACP 2007 President Chief Joe Carter Presented with Award by NAUMD During '06 Convention in Boston!

NAUMD Chairman Ron Pate of Unison Marketing Group, NAUMD President, Richard J. Lerman, MBTA Chief Joe Carter President IACP, Peter A. Roque, President & CEO of Blackinton and Mark Siegel, Director of Sales, Blackinton Present MBTA Award at the NAUMD Booth at the IACP Annual Convention in Boston!

NAUMD President Richard J. Lerman and Bruce Klein Vice President, Red the Uniform Tailor Present the Award for Department under 50 Officers to Chief Thomas Conroy & Team! Physical fitness is not just a tag line, it is a way of life for officers. They are given time daily to work out at the in-house facility or local fitness centers. Both appearance and physical fitness are measured and counted toward promotion. “It is said that a person has only one opportunity to make a good first impression,” notes current Chief Thomas Conroy. “We take full advantage of this each and every time a Stafford officer interacts with the public.”

NAUMD Vice Chairman Roger Heldman (1st from Right) Presents the Best Dressed

Law Enforcement Award for Corrections Departments to Sergeant Sam Welling of

the Oregon Department of Corrections (center) and Director of the Department Max Williams during the December 6th presentation.

NAUMD Board Member Fred Heldman (1st from Right) and the Fechheimer Team with MBTA Chief Joe Carter President IACP, Fechheimer created, with Blakinton, the MBTA Uniform which won the Award at the Flying Cross by Fechheimer Booth at the IACP Annual Convention in Boston!

Winner - City over 200 Officers - Tie

Toledo Ohio Police Department

Superior Uniform Sales - Member Winner

Tulsa Oklahoma Police Department

Fechheimer Bros. Co. - Member Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York, October 4, 2006……How important is a uniform to police work? Consider the following scenario: You’ve just been the victim of a home invasion and have notified the police. You hear a knock at the door, and the persons at the other side identify themselves as police officers. Looking through the peephole, you notice two persons in everyday street wear. They say they are officers, but can you be certain?

Uniforms serve not only to identify the wearer, but in the above case and others they work to allay fears, comfort and assure the public in times of crisis. Taken a step further, a well-dressed officer will also command respect, for he or she will be viewed as a professional, a voice of authority. Uniforms, therefore, are an integral part of police work.

The entrants in the 2006 Best Dressed Law Enforcement Awards are keenly aware of these facts. So too, is the program sponsor, the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD). For 29 years, the NAUMD, whose members manufacturer and distribute many of the nation’s finest police garments, has had the honor of viewing some of the best dressed law enforcement officers in the country. “We’re proud to recognize excellence in design and service in uniforms for our nation’s law enforcement by its members,” says NAUMD President, Richard Lerman. “Now more than ever, the quick identification of officers is key to the public feeling secure in these dangerous times. Having law enforcement personnel feel both proud of and comfortable in their uniforms goes a long way in building positive moral.”

The NAUMD judges review each department’s professional appearance and uniform diversity, paying close attention to detail and written standards. Written standards provide every officer instruction for a “uniform” look to be presented. 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?

In the opinion of the judges, the departments featured on the following pages far exceeded expectations. To find out if your department can achieve a winning look, or for information on the NAUMD or any of the uniform suppliers listed in this article, contact the association at 212.869.0670, or visit www.naumd.com