Northwood's first change since 1982 has more detail; is patriotic

Northwood police are in the process of trading in their simple, light-blue shoulder patch with one that's more detailed and patriotic.

But switching patches is a concept that's rather foreign to the department because their patch has only changed once since Northwood was incorporated as a city in 1962, Police Chief Jerry Herman said.

He said department officials changed the patch's color in 1982 from navy blue to the light blue, but kept the Great Seal of Ohio, the words "Northwood Police," and the semi-circle shape officers are sporting on their shoulders.

Under the new design, which officers are required to have on their uniforms by October, 2006, Ohio's seal will be replaced by Northwood's city seal, which was established in 1986.

The new design will incorporate an American flag design near the top of a shield-shaped, navy blue patch that has the word "Ohio" on the bottom of it for those who are unfamiliar with the city.

The chief said the state name sewed on the patch is especially important for those who engage in collecting and trading shoul-der patches, which is a popular pastime among many in and out of law enforcement.

He said the change is also important for residents to be aware of because the patch is an easy way to quickly identify the city's police officers.

The changeover process began when several officers simply asked for a new design, and the department's uniform committee began to discuss the issue in February. Officers then began submitting what they felt would be a better shoulder patch design and shape in April and May, the chief said.

The police chief, all 21 full-time officers, and each dispatcher then voted for their favorite patch out of the field of 10 submissions, and voted again after the chief paid $30 to have the top three potential patches created so officers could see what they would look like when on their shoulders.

Fifteen out of the 26 officials in the department voted for the new design and shape created by former police dispatcher and current on-call firefighter Kevin Emmitt of Northwood.

Sgt. Ken Campbell said he voted for the patch that was chosen because it incorporated patriotism with the American flag.

"That's what struck me with that one and caused me to vote for it," he said.

But Chief Herman said he voted for one that looked the most like the patch that officers have had since 1982 because he's a self-proclaimed traditionalist. If it were up to him, the chief said he most likely would not have changed the patch at all, but said the officers' collective input overruled his personal opinion.

"I'm happy with the choice we had," he said. "I'm not disappointed at all. It's like anything else - people change."

Chief Herman said he ordered 1,000 patches, costing the department $1,300 out of its uniform allowance, which is $18,500 a year.

The department will also pick up the $4 fee that Superior Uniforms in Toledo charges for sewing two patches on each officer's shirt or jacket.

First Published August 31, 2005, 7:11 p.m.