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SOUTH SALT LAKE — It is said that looking good is a part of feeling good, and the South Salt Lake Police Department is feeling pretty good.
The department was named the best-dressed public safety department of 100 to 500 officers by the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors Wednesday.
“It’s quite an honor to be singled out like that,” said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller.
The announcement came as a welcomed surprise of those within the department, Keller said. He said the department’s manufacturer, Fechheimer Brothers Company, had come to South Salt Lake Police Chief Jack Carruth requesting to submit the uniforms for the award.
The department learned via a press released that it had won.
“I thought, ‘Are they really talking about us?’ So we’re very, very impressed to be considered for this award, much less receive it,” Keller said. He said that he believes being well-dressed adds to the command presence and professionalism of the department.
“I think we’re much better received by the public when you have a good-looking uniform.”
The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers said the award was created to show the role uniforms play in law enforcement and public safety.
Other best-dressed public service department division winners included Metroparks of the Toledo Area in Ottawa Hills, Ohio; Bexar County Sheriff’s Office in San Antonio, Texas; Lake Travis Fire and Rescue in Austin, Texas, and the Orlando Fire Department.
“It’s one of those stories that doesn’t sound like much but it really caught on. It’s really drawn a lot of attention to our department.” — South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller
“Officers and first responders are an icon of safety, and their uniforms are a critical component of making them recognizable and approachable to the public. Looking and feeling great go hand-in-hand, so it’s important for safety professionals to feel comfortable and confident on the job,” Neal Waters, the association’s president, said in a statement.
“This 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.”
Since the award was announced Wednesday, Keller said the department has received praise from others across the valley.
He said in a meeting of area police chiefs Thursday that every department individually congratulated South Salt Lake police on the award.
“It’s one of those stories that doesn’t sound like much but it really caught on,” Keller said. “It’s really drawn a lot of attention to our department.”
