lapel pins

Members of the EMS service wear a unique uniform with distinguishing patches and lapel pins for easy public recognition. The lapel pins are an important part of the uniform serving as identification tags denoting the identity and affiliation of the wearer. They are usually placed in easy-to-see places like the lapel, collar, or front pocket for easy identification.

There are different types of lapel pins, each carrying out a specific function. A simple name tag or a badge shows which unit the person belongs to. Also, lapel pins can be used to show the rank and qualifications of the wearer.

Designing lapel pins follows a similar process irrespective of their function, so let’s look at how to design the perfect pin for your unit.

1. Choose the material, shape, and color of the pin.

The material that the pin is made from will depend on what function it will serve. For instance, a name tag pin may be made out of plastic, but a unit badge pin will look far more professional made up of metal. The same would apply to a pin that denotes the rank.

As to choosing the color of the badge, you may be limited to blue shades as this is the traditional color of the EMS department. However, the actual shade of blue chosen will denote your specific unit within the department.

2. Draw the basic design.

The drawing of the badge does not have to be perfect as the manufacture will provide the final graphic design, but make sure all your design elements are present in your drawing. For instance, include all the symbols. Will there be writing? Also, incorporate the color of each element.

3. Choose the backing for your pin.

Your pin must stay secure on garments. Otherwise, your staff will lose it while carrying out their duties. There are many options of pin backings available, so choose one that is most secure.

4. Get the experts to manufacture your pin.

Choose the company to manufacture your lapel pins. An easy choice is the Emblem Authority, a reputable company that manufactures patches and lapel pins for police, fire department, and emergency services personnel.

5. Distribute lapel pins to your personnel.

Once your pins arrive from the manufacturers, the only thing to do is to give them out to everyone and sit back and take the compliments on how nice the new lapel pins look.

Don’t forget to reach out to the Emblem Authority to get started! You will be sure to be pleased with the result.

patches

Patches are an important finishing touch for all service uniforms, be it firefighters, police, SWAT, security, or sheriffs’ uniforms. NFPA estimates there were 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2018, and that’s a lot of uniforms. Different color combinations work for different settings but as long as you choose vibrant colors, you are bound to get unique, embroidered pieces of art. Choosing the right colors can be a bit complicated as there are so many colors available to choose from, so it helps to know the options you have before you can settle on a combination.

Tips on Picking Colors for Your Patches

Neon colors work great if you want to make a patch that really stands out. Think sports teams and such, where visibility and vibrancy are important, and neon pinks and yellows won’t disappoint.

Metallic gold and silver threads give a striking effect, especially when viewed in bright light. These colors shimmer as though they had actual metallic shavings within them.

Glow in the dark colors work to keep your patch visible in low light, and if you would like this effect, white and green are the colors that will bring it out the most effectively. Other colors can also glow in the dark, but these two will glow the brightest.

Extra Tips to Get the Best Patch

Keep your design simple so it is easy to identify your patch. Most people won’t take the time to decipher an overly complicated patch design.

Using bold text and designs will make your patch more legible, as most embroidery processes don’t work too well with thin, fine lines. Also, go for the biggest size option because it will incorporate your design perfectly as well as accommodate your message perfectly.

If you want your patch to really stand out without necessarily using neon or metallic colors, you need to pick contrasting colors that will bring out your design and make it vivid and clear. The most common contrast is black and white, and while you don’t have to stick to this, it helps to aim for a close contrast ratio to it.

Finally, pick a border color that complements the background and helps draw attention by adding depth to your overall design.

Design can take a few trials to get right in the end, and with patches, it is even more so. Just make sure to research the color combination you want and ask any questions about your design before getting it embroidered. Patches last a long time, and you won’t enjoy seeing errors you could have avoided!

There are 17,985 U.S. police agencies in the United States which include City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police/Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. That’s a lot of patches. Patches are more than just decorative items on your uniform; they can display important awards, distinctions, and information. When you decide to get a patch, you have to decide on some details, including colors and whether to get stock or custom badges.

Custom vs Stock Law Enforcement Patches

While stock patches may serve the purpose, the existence of different agencies means that some designs may look similar to each other if produced on a stock basis. Getting a custom design ensures that you are putting the details and colors that are unique to you, and not to another production house embroidering different designs.

Custom patches have the following benefits:

They create a sense of belonging to each individual with one on their uniform. When everyone feels like they are part of a team with a unique affiliation badge, they work better together and enjoy the sense of pride that comes with being one big family.

Custom velcro patches will also help everyone wearing one to be instantly recognizable in a crowd. This recognition goes a long way in establishing the presence of the unit represented by the patch in any area.

Patches enhance professionalism, and while stock law enforcement patches will make for a professional look, the effect is enhanced with custom patches. A custom patch will have specific, unique information as well as a unique design and colors which all work to make it more memorable.

Custom patches will also be versatile and because you can choose the type of backing, they also get really convenient. The options for backing include iron-on patches, sew-on patches, and velcro patches. Velcro patches are the easiest to use and take care of given their ability to be stored and put on easily.

It is clear to see that custom patches are better than stock law enforcement patches, and so when making the choice, always go for custom. The purpose of a patch is taken to a whole new level when you custom-make it, so get the most out of it and set a standard that will be hard for others to beat.

fire department patches

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an estimated 29,705 fire departments across the United States. The firefighters totaled approximately 1,115,000 individuals, with nearly 370,000 careers and 745,000 volunteers that protect the lives of millions.

Custom fire department patches are an excellent way for your team to identify themselves. You may need to find the right patch marker to source from. Here are seven tips to help you find the best company for the job.

1. Inquire About Their Experience

You need to find a firm that will unquestionably supply you with the exact design and size of fire department patches that you want. It wouldn’t hurt to go with firms with relevant experience with the industry. Their skills and knowledge can make a difference in drawing up designs that your team members will be proud of.

2. Check Out Their Work Artwork Service

Your unique patch design on the artwork file may need to be converted to be compatible with the manufacturing process. You may ask the company that makes patches if they provide artwork services. Pick a firm with designers that can help you refine your artwork with the best custom option to bring your vision to life; if the patch maker accepts unlimited revisions, the better.

3. Pick a Patch Marker That Provides a Written Guarantee

A reputable patch creator needs to stand by the quality of their work. The company you pick should provide a written guarantee for the fire department patches that they design. It may give you peace of mind that the products will be of high quality and free of manufacturing defects.

4. Choose a Firm with Excellent Customer Service

Communication is a key element as you engage the patch maker during the design and shipping process. You may need to pick a company with excellent communication channels, providing regular updates about your order. Excellent customer service can help smoothen the submission of the artwork and the delivery of the fire department patches to your station.

5. Timely Delivery of the Patches

You may need to discuss the turnaround time for the patch maker to complete your order. Most fire department patch designers will complete an order within 14 days or less, with fast shipping. However, depending on the number, design, and size of the patches ordered, the manufacturing process may take a little longer or shorter.

6. Discuss the Shipping Requirements

You may need to verify how the patch marker will get the fire department patches to your location. Most patch designers offer priority shipping as an option that allows express delivery of the package. If you opt for standard shipping, your patches may delay a little longer than necessary.

7. Read Reviews from Past Clients

The best way to analyze the patch maker’s expertise is to look at their past works—request for references to past clients. Follow up on them, inquiring about their experience with the patch marker. Read testimonials and recommendations on their website and other online review sites.

Custom fire department patches can help indicate the nature and character of your team, reminding them of their calling to saving lives during emergencies. Picking out the right custom designer is essential to providing your department with quality patches that will last. To kickstart your order process, reach out to our experts at The Emblem Authority.

pins

Law enforcement badges and lapel pins are used by police officers, medical officers, and fire department officers. They show their affiliation with a particular organization and a person’s honors within the stated organization. Lapel pins not only reveal the organizational affiliation of an individual, but they are also a measure of accountability and respect. The public believes that any police officers or EMS providers with a badge or lapel pin should be willing to serve and protect the community.

The process of making lapel pins is thought to have originated in Egypt in 1800 B.C. However, it was only the process as there has been no evidence showing they ever made any lapel pins. Today the lapel pin manufacturing process has evolved immensely, and many techniques are now used to make them.

Other than indicating position, there are several other reasons officers use lapel pins. We are going to look at some of these reasons below.

1. They Indicate Pride in the Service

Police officers display their badge patches or lapel pins to indicate pride in their work and commitment to the service. For officers of the law with rank, their lapel pins show how hardworking they are and their sacrifices for the community.

Lapel pins and badges are made of heavy-duty metal so that they do not fall apart easily. Firefighters, EMS, and police officers even go the extra mile to have them customized just to preserve the honor and dignity of the badge. Taking care of their custom badge patch and lapel pins is part of showing pride in their work.

2. Signify Trust

Whether it’s an emergency service provider, a police officer, or a firefighter having the badge allows people to trust you. People will have hope and expect a positive outcome once they see the lapel pin. People feel safe in the hands of such people, and can relax and easily share their problems.

Officers wearing lapel pins also help relieve worry and doubt, especially in stressful situations. A person may be worried about your identity but after seeing the badge, become less anxious. As a civilian, you have a right to ask officers to show their badge to clear any doubts.

3. They Indicate a Willingness to Sacrifice

Most police officers and firefighters understand the professional risks that come with their jobs. They are responsible for all their actions and any problems that occur under their watch. A lapel pin, therefore, plays the role of portraying this. It symbolizes their willingness and sacrifices they are willing to take for their community and partners.

4. It Is a Form of Motivation

Lapel pins and badge patches motivate the wearer and others that work within the ranks to work harder. It encourages other junior officers to work towards achieving the same status. It motivates the wearer by reminding them why they joined the force and their commitment to serve others whenever they are in doubt. A lapel pin also reminds them of the good they are doing for their families and the community they serve and protect.

Get Your Team Custom Pins

A lapel pin or badge symbolizes all of the above and a lot more. Police officers, firefighters, and EMS providers should ensure they always have a lapel pin on them, especially during these uncertain times brought about by COVID-19. It allows civilians to trust them. Visit the Emblem Authority to get custom made pins and badges.

fire department patches

Fire department patches are more than an emblem that firefighters wear. They are a mark of heritage and honor that celebrate the selfless firefighters who risk their lives to benefit others. They command respect and admiration from the public.

For career firefighters, wearing a station’s fire department patch reminds them of their higher calling to save lives in emergencies. But what do fire department patches mean to volunteers, and how do they benefit them?

Patches Introduce Volunteer Firefighters to the Rest of the Crew

The camaraderie and deep bonding among firefighters are some of the admirable qualities that inspire people to volunteer. It’s important that volunteers integrate well into the team. Wearing a firefighter patch helps volunteers blend in easily within a fire station’s team.

The team’s older members will instantly recognize the new team members and help them settle down smoothly. A peaceful transition enables volunteers to learn and assimilate into the culture and team values of a station. This helps them become productive sooner and start making significant contributions to the team.

Social Respect From the Community

Like the Military’s morale patches, firefighters attract sincere respect from community members. More often, most volunteer firefighters are members of the local community looking for a meaningful way to serve their neighbors. By volunteering to serve as firefighters, they earn the right to wear fire department patches on their uniforms, backpacks, bunker gear, and cars, trucks, and house doors. Displaying a station’s fire department patch on their property gives people in need the confidence to ask for help from volunteers. Good thing volunteer firefighters undergo intense training so they’re efficient first-responders in an emergency.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were about 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in North America in 2018. This number is insufficient, given the increasing rate of emergency calls to fire stations. As such, there’s a need for fire stations to find ways of attracting more volunteer firefighters.

One way to attract and retain volunteer firefighters is by having well-designed fire department patches that summarize the values and identity of your team. Catchy firefighter patches can motivate volunteers to join your fire station and give back to society in a practical and meaningful way. That’s why you should have your station’s firefighter patches designed by a top and experienced custom-design company.

Custom police velcro patches

In the United States, there are approximately 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers now serving, which is the highest figure ever. Every day we rely on law enforcement officials to both serve and protect our communities.

As a law enforcement official, it is important that you are easily recognizable to the people you are sworn to protect. Custom police velcro patches are a great way for officials to identify themselves with both authority and distinction. Quality patches are designed with care to reflect the nature and character of all organizations. However, to ensure the longevity of your patches, be sure to care for them properly.

Hand Wash Only

Washing your velcro patches in the washing machine can compromise their ability to properly adhere to your uniform. It’s natural for your velcro patch to collect detritus such as dust or dirt from daily use and normal wear and tear. However, gentle handwashing should be enough to remove any debris while also ensuring your velcro remains in top condition.

Remove Lint Buildup

While velcro patches are great for staying put on your uniform, they may also inadvertently pick up lint or other bits of debris. In addition to maintaining your patches with regular handwashing, be sure to clean the hard-to-remove lint from the velcro’s fasteners. You can do this by gently plucking it out with tweezers, using a small cleaning brush, or sliding a T-pin through the patch. Removing lint and other small bits of debris from your patches will guarantee that they maintain the best grip possible.

Safe Storage

The way you store your custom patches is also important. Storing them together may be damaging as they will stick together and become ruined. The best way to store patches is to secure them to a piece of felt or a custom patch panel. This guarantees you can store them safely and access them easily when needed.

Do Not Iron

Using a hot iron on your patches may also cause damage to both the velcro and the patch itself. The patches are meant to securely adhere to your uniform, and there should be no need to iron them.

Custom police velcro patches are effective ways to identify law enforcement both clearly and authoritatively. Though easy to use, they do require some regular care and maintenance; so be sure to follow the above tips to guarantee your patches stay in top condition.

patches we have in stock

Hundreds of federal agencies and first responder departments in the United States are considering custom patches for their units. If you’ve recently considered getting your police department or division on this bandwagon, there are a few tips that’ll ensure you get the most appropriate badge patch. Read on to learn more about the best ways to get customized patches.

Choosing the Right Size is Key

The patches we have in stock come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on your needs. Remember that the size and shape will have a major impact on the overall appearance of the patch on the uniform. For starters, you want to go for shapes that complement the design of the attire.

The Border Will Give the Patch a Unique Look

If you want a distinct and polished look on your patches, consider bordering. Most of the custom patches we have in stock have elegant borders. When choosing a border, the most important thing is the feeling that they create. You want your officers to feel confident in their attire.

Backing Will Make the Patch Stand Out

When it comes to attaching custom patches to police uniforms, not everyone wants cloth backing. Some people appreciate a patch that they can remove on the go for various reasons. Velcro patches give you this option because they can be removed from clothes at any time, making them quite convenient to use. If you want patches that never lose their shape for esthetic reasons, it’s advisable to go for plastic backing.

Using custom patches has become quite popular over the past few years as police departments choose to differentiate their officers in the field. The patches we have in stock can help inspire you to design some for your police division. Contact us today if you’re considering a custom patch.

velcro police patches

If you have decided to purchase custom embroidered patches for your department, the next step should involve choosing the right backing for your garments. Velcro backing remains a popular option for embroidery patches for law-enforcement and military departments. It contains tiny hooks and loops that allow you to attach the patch to a soft garment for a secure connection. Velcro police patches are easy to adjust, making them suitable for law enforcement uniforms.

Here are four key benefits of using Velcro backing for your custom police patches.

1. Versatility

Velcro backing can either be single hook-sided for males or two-sided for males and females. Additionally, Velcro police patches can attach to a wide range of back materials for a secure connection. You can use it on materials such as real leather, artificial leather, polyester, or nylon. No matter the fabric used on your uniform, the hooks and loops can grip quickly to any surface point.

2. Durability

The Velcro police patches can easily be removed and reattached to the garment. You can take them off to clean, getting rid of any debris that accumulates on the hooks. Routine cleaning helps keep the little hooks intact, providing an excellent grip for the patch. You can attach and remove it as many times as you wish, and it will remain good as new.

3. Convenience

Using Velcro police patches makes it easier to clean your uniform without the worry of destroying your department’s custom badge patch. You only need to rip it off from the garment and reattach it later on. Velcro backings are convenient to use, as they do not require any heating or stitching.

4. Cost-Effective

Custom Velcro badges are relatively cheaper than other types of patches. Your patch creator can provide access to impressive cost-effective designs that work within your budget limits. Ordering in bulk may open up discount options that can help you save more.

Velcro police patches can help create an identity in your department. If you wish to order custom patches for your team, feel free to reach out to the designers at The Emblem Authority.

velcro patches

Protecting your velcro patches helps maintain their gripping power and durability. However, exposed apparel closures can sometimes collect debris like fuzz. You don’t need to sit for hours hand-picking pieces attached to your custom velcro patches. Instead, there are many cleaning solutions available. Here are a few ways to ensure your velcro patches last longer.

Cleaning Your Velcro Patches

Velcro can collect a lot of debris when it isn’t properly maintained. It’s not recommended to wash your velcro patches in the washing machine as this can be especially rough on the velcro. The last thing you want for your uniform is for the velcro patches to lose their gripping ability. Consider handwashing the fabric with your velcro patches instead of putting them through the washing machine.

You can also remove lint and other debris from your velcro patches using a T-pin. Slide the T-pin carefully between the rows of velcro to collect the debris. You can also use tiny tweezers, a dry toothbrush, or a fine-toothed comb to wipe off debris. Make sure you use minimal force to avoid breaking the delicate edges.

Why Are Velcro Patches Prone to Collecting Debris?

Customized velcro patches can be a great way to set your department apart from others. However, velcro patches have little hooks that are designed specifically to help them stay onto the fabric of your team’s uniforms. This is great for ensuring the velcro patch stays intact, but it also means that the patch can sometimes pick up more than fabric.

When packed with lint, the tiny fasteners fail to get an excellent grip. Make sure you unclog the grime using the mentioned methods above for a tighter grip.

Properly Store Your Patch Collection

Improper storage could end up ruining your entire collection of custom velcro patches. Consider getting a patch panel that is crafted from the smooth side of the velcro so you can hook all your patches in one place when not in use. If you don’t have a patch panel, you can press two patches on each other firmly.

With proper maintenance, care, and storage, you can make sure that your custom velcro patches stay in great shape for as long as possible. If you’re looking for customized velcro patches for your department or organization, look no further than Emblem Authority. To learn more about our velcro patches, lapel pins, and masks, contact us today.