This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When it comes to fashion, the South Salt Lake Police Department is on point.
That's according to the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), which doled out its "best dressed" awards Wednesday. South Salt Lake took the top spot for a medium-sized cop shop, 100 to 500 officers.
The award surprised SSLPD officials, who weren't initially aware they'd applied for the award. They only learned of the distinction when a reporter called. And never mind that the department actually has fewer than 100 sworn officers.
They accept.
"They're a good looking group of guys," Officer Gary Keller said of his colleagues.
After a couple hours of sleuthing, Keller figured out Chief Jack Carruth had, in fact, several months ago sent a photo to the department's uniform manufacturer, Fechheimer Brothers Company. It was the department's Christmas photo, showing a stern-faced Carruth alongside four officers.
The department's clothing rep entered the department in the contest, noting that South Salt Lake officers really liked their new "poly/wool" uniforms, which provide a "crisp professional appearance."
The trade association agreed. It used "fashion industry experts" to award points in categories like "application of new technology" and "originality," according to a press release. A spokeswoman did not respond to questions about criteria or how many departments entered.
But a news release from NAUMD said that the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards program "emphasizes the value of professional, sleek, well-suited and easily recognizable uniforms in the role of public safety."
Keller said the department uses two uniforms, one more formal, and one softer without metal badges that has a soft duty belt.
Keller, a former motorcycle officer, said he knows the importance of looking sharp on the job.
"It always helps to look good," he said. "When you show up and you have that commanding appearance, it helps you. It helps you on the street, people identify who you are and why you're there."
Spoken like a real fashion maven.
Twitter: @lramseth