The Associated Press
BLUFFTON, Ind. (AP) - Bluffton has the best-dressed police officers of any city its size in the United States, according to a uniform trade group.
The small city about 20 miles south of Fort Wayne with 20 officers shared best-dressed honors with New York, which won in the large city category.
“Our officers take pride in their appearance,” Bluffton Police Chief Tammy Schaffer told the News-Banner for a Monday story.
The award is given annually by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors, a trade group. Entrants are judged on overall appearance, neatness, projection of authority and other standards. The competition is open to all the nation’s police department.
Other agencies honored included the Connecticut State Police, the Alamance County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Department and the Cleveland (Ohio) Metro Park Rangers.
Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis said the best-dressed award reflected the department’s professionalism.
“For years, I have stated that the Bluffton Police Department is among the best-trained and well-respected small community forces in the United States,” he said. “Now, I can add that our police are among the best-looking.”