You may not see them on the runway during Fashion Week in New York City, but make no mistake: Florida's police officers know how to work it.
Two Florida law enforcement agencies racked up honors during the Best Dressed Public Safety Departments Awards reception held earlier this month in Orlando. And the winners were...
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): Best dressed department under 2,000 officers
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO): Best dressed department over 200 officers
NBC's Brian Williams even threw out a backhanded compliment to a Hillsborough cop on Rock Center. (The mention comes around the 0:35 mark.)
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The awards ceremony was part of the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) convention. Now in their 36th year, the awards recognize both a uniform's wearers and supplier. In the case of both FHP and HCSO, the supplier is VF Imagewear, finally giving us an answer to that burning question, "Sheriff David Gee, who are you wearing?"
For the contest, law enforcement departments had to submit an entry form and photos. Judging factors included neatness, functionality and how easily the public could identify the wearer as an officer.
Sartorial smarts are good for more than just staying off What Not to Wear, according to NAUMD president and CEO Richard J. Lerman.
“There is nothing more comforting to a community than an easily identifiable, uniformed police officer, particularly in a time of crisis,” Lerman said in a written statement. “In law enforcement, a visible, uniformed public safety presence on the street, at a mall or other institution can add a sense of security and help comfort the public or allay fears.”
