What’s the best way to identify a police officer? One of the simplest answers is through custom badges. Customized police badges can be purchased for any occasion and with any design that fits your needs. There are also plenty of features you can add on, like clip holder attachments and lanyards. All these choices make picking out your badge a little overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when choosing custom badges.
1. What Kind of Badge Would They Like?
Law enforcement badges come in different shapes and sizes, with some options even allowing for additional artwork or features. When choosing a badge style, what matters most is the design you think would best fit your officers. One good feature to consider is the thickness of the badge, as this can impact how it hangs/closes on a belt or lanyard.
2. What Material Do They Prefer?
One of the first decisions you have to make when ordering custom badges is whether you want them made of metal or plastic. While badges made of metal will be sturdier and more professional, they’re also heavier and bulkier than those made from plastic. Some law enforcement personnel might prefer the weight of a metal badge because it feels better balanced on their uniform, while others like the lighter feel of a plastic badge.
3. What Color Should It Be?
Most police badges are silver or gold, as these colors tend to stick out and make identification easier. However, law enforcement agencies can pick from various colors for their badges, depending on the design. Some other popular choices include black, blue, purple, green, or red. Just make sure that you check with your local law enforcement agency to ensure that the color you choose will be easy for them to spot.
4. Do They Want Lanyards?
You can add a lot of functionality to a badge by adding a lanyard. They make it possible to wear your badge around your neck, which is excellent for ID checks or in case you need to show your badge without reaching into your pockets. If you decide to add this accessory, make sure that you choose one made of sturdy nylon and that has a breakaway clip, so you don’t lose your lanyard.
5. Would They Prefer Rounded Corners?
Custom badges typically have two types of edges, flat and rounded. Rounded corners are the more common option, as they allow for easy removal from a holder while also preventing possible injury to other people or objects. Flat edges may look nicer on your badge but can be harder to store since it’s harder to take your badge out of its holder.
6. Do They Need an Additional Clip?
Custom police badges can either come with or without a metal clip on the back. This is useful for inserting into your uniform, lanyard, or badge wallet. However, some law enforcement personnel may not want to attach their badge to anything at all, so you should check with them before purchasing this feature.
It’s important to keep in mind that these badges are not just for decoration. They should be functional and stand up against the wear and tear of daily use, so don’t choose a design or features based on price alone. Put some thought into each decision so you purchase a badge that will last and is suited to your officer’s needs.
Fire Department Badges and Symbolism
UncategorizedFirefighters are an important task force in society. According to NFPA, there were nearly 1,115,000 firefighters in the United States in 2018. Firefighters respond to fire outbreaks, rescue people and animals, and care for the sick and injured. They also teach people about fire safety, develop fire regulations, and install fire alarms. As a task force, the firefighter department has badges with different symbols portraying service, sacrifice, readiness, leadership, and other firefighter attributes. The following is all you need to know about fire department badges.
1. Maltese Cross Badge
The Maltese cross badge is arguably one of the most common fire dept patches. It symbolized St. John’s knights during the Crusades in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the Maltese cross badge is used as a symbol of protection. It implies that the firefighter wearing the badge is ready to lay down their life for people in need of help, the same way Crusaders sacrificed their lives for other people thousands of years ago.
2. Fire Bugle Badge
Fire dept patches with a bugle are common firefighter badges in the United States. The badge was designed in the olden days before radio and other mass media. The leaders of a fire department would use the bugle to alert firefighters. Today, the fire bugle badge is designated for firefighting leaders. It symbolizes leadership, and a person wearing it serves a leadership role in their jurisdiction.
3. Scramble Badge
The scramble is the most iconic fire dept patch. The scramble comprises multiple firefighter symbols, including the fire hydrant, ax, ladder, hats, and other insignias. The scramble represents some of the tools firefighters use in their line of work. The badge differs in different departments and jurisdictions. Thus, fire dept patches with only one of these symbols are still a scramble badge. Apart from representing the common tools used by firefighters, the scramble badge also denotes readiness.
4. Red Color on Badges
The color red is associated with firefighting. The red color is found on firefighting trucks and is common in all fire dept patches. The red color symbolizes fire and the danger firefighters face in their work. Firefighting trucks are painted red to alert people to get off the road.
These four explanations will help you learn more about fire dept patches. Call a custom patch creator if you need any custom embroidered patches for your crew.
Law Enforcement Badge Design
UncategorizedOne of the simplest and most reliable ways to identify a police officer is through their badge. There are 17,985 police agencies in the United States, and each of these agencies has its own badge design. For instance, you will find different badges for City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement officers.
Different police agencies can order their own custom badges, and they come with a lot of customizable features. However, there are basic features that should be considered when it comes to law enforcement badge design. Read on to find out more about police badge design.
Different Types of Badges
Before choosing a badge design, you must understand that there are different types of police badges available. You can therefore pick from a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the badges even allow for the addition of custom artwork and features. When choosing police badges, the most important factor to consider is what design will best fit your officers. For instance, you need to think about the badge thickness. This can affect how the badge hangs on a police officer’s belt or lanyard.
Types of Materials for Police Badges
This is another factor to consider when it comes to police badge design. Most badges are either made using metal or plastic. As you might have guessed, metal badges are sturdier and more professional. However, they also tend to be heavier and bulkier than those made from plastic. Some police officers prefer the metal badge because of how it feels more balanced on their uniforms.
Choosing the Color of Police Badges
The majority of law enforcement badges are either silver or gold. These colors stick out, and they make it easier for people to quickly identify police officers. However, it’s also possible to pick any other color that’s not silver or gold. Some agencies will go for blue, purple, or red.
Flat or Rounded Badge Corner
There are two main types of badge edges. You can either pick a flat or rounded edge, depending on the look you are going for. Most police badges feature rounded corners. This is because they make the badge easy to remove from the holder. Apart from that, rounded edges are also less likely to injure other people. Flat badge edges are better when it comes to aesthetics, but they make it difficult for you to remove them.
These are some of the factors to consider when it comes to law enforcement badge design. It’s important to ensure that whatever design you choose makes it easier for people to identify the officers. It will defeat the point if the design makes the badge not so visible.
Understanding the Symbolism of Fire Department Patches
UncategorizedModern fire department patches are packed with symbolism you may not be aware of. While fire-fighting itself can be traced back to colonial days, it first began as a community-based organization during the 1600s. During the 1700s and early 1800s, fire-fighting evolved into an orderly system of volunteers and finally into the first fully-paid department, founded in Columbus, Ohio during the 1850s. Here’s what to know about the symbolism of fire department patches.
From Humble Beginnings
Fire department patches provide identification as well as a sense of camaraderie, and every modern firefighter can be seen wearing patches that showcase and pay tribute to firefighting history.
The Maltese Cross
One of the common symbols found on firefighting patches is the eight-point Maltese Cross. First awarded to the Knights of St. John on the island of Malta, the cross rapidly became a symbol of loyalty and protection for those who served. It was the first time fire had been used as a weapon in war and the Knights were known to rescue injured people from the flames. In modern times, the eight-point Maltese Cross is seen on badges, patches, and even on the side of some fire trucks.
The Scramble
The center-most part of a firefighter’s patch features several symbols, often a ladder and an ax, among others. Known as the scramble, more modern additions to this section, such as helmets and hoses, have been added in recent years to symbolize both the history and the current commitment to the trade.
Bugle
Bugles are often seen on firefighter patches, symbolizing leadership within the department. This is a reference to the days before wireless radios when bugles were used to issue orders. The person with the bugle was commonly recognized as the leader. Patches with a large number of bugles indicate seniority.
Red Hot
Whatever symbols a firefighter’s patches feature, they will all have the color red somewhere in them. Red is typically associated with the fire department, flames in general, and the history of fire trucks being painted red for better visibility. The color red in the patches, usually seen in the scramble or the Maltese Cross, represents bravery and the dedication of all firefighters, both past and present.
Knowing the symbolism of firefighter patches may even make you more likely to notice them. According to research, in 2018, 67% of firefighters were working in communities with a population of at least 25,000, making it easy for these brave men and women to get lost in the crowd. With custom patches, that will no longer be the case.
How Custom Fire Department Patches Can Benefit Your Team
UncategorizedA fire department patch is a badge of honor. These patches have been used for decades to show the world that you are a member of an elite group, someone who risks your life every day to save others from tragedy and death. These badges speak volumes about the dedication and passion that have always been at the core of this job and how much it has changed over time. But how do custom fire department patches benefit your team?
1. A Badge of Honor
For firefighters, the badge is a symbol of pride and honor. Just like members of law enforcement groups or military members, these patches are often worn on uniforms as a way to represent who they serve and protect. When firefighters wear these badges, they represent more than themselves, they represent their team. The badge represents years of service, selflessness, dedication, and compassion. Above all else, it represents the courage to face danger every day.
2. Group Unity
With custom patches, firefighters can show that they are part of something bigger than themselves. This helps to strengthen group unity and morale within the fire department itself. These patches represent more than just a job but also a family and the community that they serve. These patches can be a source of strength and pride for firefighters during difficult times, especially when working so hard to help people in need.
3. A Badge of Specialization
Unlike a traditional firefighter badge, custom fire department patches can be used to show specialization in different firefighting areas. From fires and medical emergencies to hazardous materials and professional rescues, these badges can represent the specialized training that firefighters receive before serving the community.
4. A Badge of Service
Custom fire department patches can also be used to show the kind of service that a firefighter has put into their job over time. For example, some badges may include chevrons on them showing how many years a firefighter has served in the department, or badges may include letters and abbreviations such as EMS or EMT.
5. Recognition
Firefighters work hard to make a difference in the communities they serve. Sometimes, the public doesn’t fully grasp what they do because of how dangerous and unpredictable fire is. But a custom patch can be a way for firefighters to receive recognition for their service.
As of 2018, there were 29,705 fire departments in the country. It is estimated that about 18% of these departments are career departments. Regardless of the type of fire department, custom fire department patches can benefit your teams. They can be a source of strength and pride, especially when facing adversity. Call us today and we will be happy to help your team stand out!
How to Care for Your Custom Face Mask
UncategorizedFor many people, a custom face mask is likely to remain a part of their life for a long time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our sources found that face masks, washing your hands, and keeping a strong distance from people remained the best way to avoid this disease. Caring for your custom face mask will help keep yourself safe.
Avoid Touching the Mask
When taking off your mask, it is important first to wash your hands or use 60% alcohol or higher hand sanitizer. Do not touch the front of your mask but instead grab the ear loops or untie the ties. Taking these steps helps to keep you from spreading this disease any further. It also helps keep you from getting it into your eyes and experiencing an infection in that way.
Remove any filters, throw them away, and place your mask directly in the laundry basket before you clean it. Later, you can put in more filters when you go out again. Filters help to minimize your risk of infection and shouldn’t be reused because they may contain trace amounts of bacteria or even the virus. After you wash your hands a second time, you can take care of your mask.
Cleaning Your Custom Mask
Read the directions for your custom face mask to see how it should be cleaned. If there are no instructions, there are a few different steps that you can take to keep your masks clean. For example, masks that use cotton-based materials can be washed in your laundry machine with hot water. Place it in with your other clothes, and it should be safely cleaned and sanitized.
If your mask is made of more delicate materials, you may need to wash them by hand. You can use hot, soapy water to sanitize your mask and keep it safe. Scrub it for at least 20 seconds before you finish, rubbing all sides of the mask and the ties. Then, you can place your mask in high heat in a normal dryer to sanitize it further. Try to do this after every use to minimize disease spread.
Then, you can place your custom face mask in storage to keep it protected. You don’t have to put it in any specialized storage container. A simple drawer is good enough. Find an empty or relatively clean place where you can place your mask.
With these tips, you will not only benefit from wearing a mask to keep you safe, but you will also take advantage of important safeguards to ensure your mask remains clean and safe to wear. To get started creating your custom face mask, reach out today!
Top Tips for Maintaining Your Lapel Pin
UncategorizedThe lapel pin is a great way to show your support for a particular cause or organization. They are also an easy and affordable way to make a fashion statement that you feel passionate about. Lapel pins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs so that they can be as unique as the person wearing them. Whether you want something trendy or traditional, there’s probably something on this list for you. Here are some tips to keep your lapel pin looking good for years to come.
1. A Polish Cloth Is Your Friend
Make sure to clean and shine the lapel pin periodically. This will help preserve its appearance and prevent any dulling or tarnishing that can occur over time due to micro-abrasions, sweat, dirt, and oil on fingers. A dry, soft cloth should work well.
2. Protect It From the Elements
Take care to protect your lapel pin in high-intensity weather conditions like rain, snow, and salt spray, which can cause rusting and other damage that is difficult to reverse. Also, be wary of using “over-the-counter jewelry cleaner” or other harsh chemicals which can take off the plating and leave you with an ugly-looking piece of metal that is difficult to restore.
3. Don’t Drop It
Dropping (or mishandling) your lapel pin can cause damage such as scratches, dents, and even the loss of a jeweled piece. Take care when handling the lapel pin to keep it in pristine condition.
4. Keep It Away From Pets
Pets (especially cats) love to bat around small objects like lapel pins, increasing the risk of damage and loss. Make sure to store the pin out of reach from your pet’s wandering paws.
5. Use a Jewelry Box
Don’t keep your lapel pin in the open air, lying around on a table or dresser. Even if it’s out of sight, it can still be out of mind. Invest in a quality jewelry box and ensure you store each lapel pin separately with soft tissue paper to prevent damage from scratches and corrosion.
6. Take Care of It While It’s in Storage
If you don’t plan to wear it for a while, make sure to store your lapel pin in a dry and cool place away from moisture. If you ever need to clean the pin, do so with a fresh cloth and polish before putting it away again. This should help keep them looking shiny and new for years to come.
Follow these simple steps to ensure your lapel pin stays in neat condition for as long as you wear it. With this guide, you’ll be able to proudly show off your lapel pin or just keep it tucked away safely in its box without worrying about damage.
How to Choose the Right Backing for Your Custom Patches
UncategorizedThe National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that, in 2018, there were around 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States. That’s a lot of manpower. It’s also a lot of equipment — not just the big stuff, but small things like uniform patches as well.
If you’re looking to acquire patches for official use or even just for fun, how do you choose the right backing to ensure they’ll work for their intended purpose? What options are available for patch backing and how permanent are those options? Let’s take a look at four of the most common patch backing options in a little more detail.
Sew-On Patches
Sew-on patches are the most common and also the most permanent option available. They provide a solid and durable hold that will last for years to come, even when exposed to the elements or otherwise rough environments.
Iron-On Patches
Using an adhesive material on the backing, iron-on patches are by far the easiest and fastest way to attach a patch. Use an iron to soften the backing, then place the patch where you want it. While iron-on patches are not as secure as sewn-on patches, they do provide a lasting hold that will withstand pretty much anything you can really put it through.
Velcro Patches
One step down in terms of permanence is velcro backing. Choose velcro patches if you’re looking for a secure hold that also allows for quick and easy removal and relocation.
Tape-Backing Patches
Tape is a good option for non-permanent patches used for festivals, concerts, and other events. However, be careful to choose heavy-duty tape to ensure a secure hold for as long as you want it.
There are also backing options such as plastic, button loop, and even pinning patches with safety pins. The only real limit is your imagination.
In the end, patches are a great way to decorate an outfit, show support for a cause, show affiliation with a group, or otherwise just have some fun with an old jacket or shirt. Regardless of what your end goal is, choosing the right patch backing will help you get the look you want and help the results be as permanent as you want them to be.
6 Things to Consider for Custom Police Badges
UncategorizedWhat’s the best way to identify a police officer? One of the simplest answers is through custom badges. Customized police badges can be purchased for any occasion and with any design that fits your needs. There are also plenty of features you can add on, like clip holder attachments and lanyards. All these choices make picking out your badge a little overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when choosing custom badges.
1. What Kind of Badge Would They Like?
Law enforcement badges come in different shapes and sizes, with some options even allowing for additional artwork or features. When choosing a badge style, what matters most is the design you think would best fit your officers. One good feature to consider is the thickness of the badge, as this can impact how it hangs/closes on a belt or lanyard.
2. What Material Do They Prefer?
One of the first decisions you have to make when ordering custom badges is whether you want them made of metal or plastic. While badges made of metal will be sturdier and more professional, they’re also heavier and bulkier than those made from plastic. Some law enforcement personnel might prefer the weight of a metal badge because it feels better balanced on their uniform, while others like the lighter feel of a plastic badge.
3. What Color Should It Be?
Most police badges are silver or gold, as these colors tend to stick out and make identification easier. However, law enforcement agencies can pick from various colors for their badges, depending on the design. Some other popular choices include black, blue, purple, green, or red. Just make sure that you check with your local law enforcement agency to ensure that the color you choose will be easy for them to spot.
4. Do They Want Lanyards?
You can add a lot of functionality to a badge by adding a lanyard. They make it possible to wear your badge around your neck, which is excellent for ID checks or in case you need to show your badge without reaching into your pockets. If you decide to add this accessory, make sure that you choose one made of sturdy nylon and that has a breakaway clip, so you don’t lose your lanyard.
5. Would They Prefer Rounded Corners?
Custom badges typically have two types of edges, flat and rounded. Rounded corners are the more common option, as they allow for easy removal from a holder while also preventing possible injury to other people or objects. Flat edges may look nicer on your badge but can be harder to store since it’s harder to take your badge out of its holder.
6. Do They Need an Additional Clip?
Custom police badges can either come with or without a metal clip on the back. This is useful for inserting into your uniform, lanyard, or badge wallet. However, some law enforcement personnel may not want to attach their badge to anything at all, so you should check with them before purchasing this feature.
It’s important to keep in mind that these badges are not just for decoration. They should be functional and stand up against the wear and tear of daily use, so don’t choose a design or features based on price alone. Put some thought into each decision so you purchase a badge that will last and is suited to your officer’s needs.
The Benefits of Embroidered Key Fobs for Your Agency
UncategorizedEmbroidered key fobs will stand out from the plain and generic key fobs. This will grab attention quickly, and anyone who notices your key fobs will be interested in exploring them further. This is an easy way to stand out as an agency. There are 17,985 police agencies in the United States. These include City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police/Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Embroidered key fobs will help you stand out in a unique way. Read on to find out more benefits of embroidered key fobs for your agency.
High Utility Value
An embroidered key fob will keep your department well exposed in front of the community members. Unlike the traditional key fobs that were designed to carry keys only, embroidered key fobs made using a patch creator can bring together several tools that you can find useful in your daily life. Apart from that, embroidered key fobs are also quite easy to customize. Each officer and staff member can have their name embroidered on their own key fob. You can also put your department logo on it to help you stand out.
Effective Tokens of Corporate Identity and Branding
Key fobs can be used to display your department’s personality and corporate culture in an emphatic yet subtle manner. Each police agency needs to establish a brand. Brands in police agencies have both external and internal impacts. A properly developed brand will help engage current employees. It will also be quite useful in recruiting people who understand your agency’s mission, vision, and values. That way, applicants who are not a perfect fit will be turned away. Failure to do so might harm a forward-thinking agency.
Gather Agency Brand Momentum
As a brand, you will have your own momentum. As soon as you start moving forward, it will be difficult to alter your direction. Therefore, it is important for you to control your messaging and control what outsiders think and feel about your agency. An agency that doesn’t put effort into shaping its own brand allows outsiders and events to shape the way people perceive it. So, think about what you want citizens to know about you and create key fobs that support your statements.
When your agency and frontline officers internalize the promises inferred by your brand, you will be able to easily foster positive relationships with the community you serve. If you are interested in branding your agency using a patch creator to create embroidered key fobs, get in touch with us today. We can supply you with a patch creator that you can use to come up with your own embroidered designs.
Law Enforcement Badges That Represent Your Community
UncategorizedThere are many types of law enforcement officers. These include police, security guards, deputies, and federal agents, among others. As such, you will also find that there are different types of police badges.
What Do Badges Represent?
Badges are one of the most important police insignia. The word “police” was derived from the Greek word polis. This word also means city. Policing started around 3000 BC in Egypt. Over time, the need for identification led to the creation of badges. Nowadays, you will even find police badge customization according to their department. The majority of badges have five or six-point stars.
Other law enforcement agencies have badges with designs that have variations of a shield. Each badge varies according to the department it represents. However, even though they come in many different designs, all these badges represent the same thing. When you think about a law enforcement badge, you often associate it with an officer of the law. The badge, along with most other law enforcement insignias, represents someone of authority.
The Reputation of the Badge
People who are not in law enforcement often view badges differently. Some of them associate badges with negative connotations of authority. Some think that they are a symbol of the government’s repressive nature. For some, badges represent keepers of the peace. However it is that people view these badges, they are probably the most recognizable element of a law enforcement uniform. With modern technology came police badge customization. That’s why you can find different types of badges that inspire different feelings in people.
A Badge Represents a Person Civilians Can Trust for Safety
Even nowadays, most people still look to the police for comfort and safety. If someone is in trouble, the sight of a badge can inspire hope. Most people still depend on law and order and will need assistance from the authorities in times of stress and trauma. Once you see a badge, you will know that the law has arrived, and you now have someone you can trust for help.
Officers that are off duty will display their badges upon request. These are usually carried in a sturdy badge holder. In some instances, a badge can be hung around your neck. Some also pin it on their vest or keep them in their wallets. Currently, some badges are customized. Police badge customization enables civilians to know exactly who they are dealing with.