|
|
Friday, July 4, 2008
|
|
Parade-ready Squad car to sport new look Staff Writer Front and center at this year's Fourth of July parade will be a Brainerd Police squad car with a new look.
Gone is the city logo's featuring the historic water tower backed by trees, water and sky.
In it's place is a patriotic design incorporating the American flag; Brainerd's historic skyline, including the water tower; and an up north feel.
The idea behind the design, thought up by Police Sgt. Terry Crocker and created by Adventure Creative Group of Brainerd, was to incorporate the city's look, identify its place as the Fourth of July capital of Minnesota and to honor military veterans past and present.
"First and foremost, it improves the visibility of the squad car, which is good for officer safety," said Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc. "Secondly, it looks good."
|
|
|
|
Brainerd Police Officer Joy Larson stood Wednesday near the department's new squad car that features an updated design incorporating landmarks, elements of patriotism and Brainerd's standing as Minnesota's Fourth of July capital. The squad car will be driven by Officer of the Year Thomas Bergs during this year's Fourth of July parade. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Crocker said when he started with the department in 1983 they had squad cars of varying colors, including light blue, dark blue, black and green. When Frank Ball became police chief in 1992, the appearance of the squad cars became unified with the logo people are familiar with today.
When it came time to design a new logo, Crocker, who has just returned from Afghanistan, offered his suggestions.
"It was kind of my thought that the identity, the way that the people connect with the police department, the highest visible thing is the police cars. The design should reflect the sprit and the character of community," Crocker said. "We hope the people of Brainerd enjoy that and share the pride of the squad cars with us."
Officers take a lot of pride in the squad cars they drive, Crocker said, not only in their look but in how they are set up. The squad car becomes the police officer's office, he said.
"The squad almost becomes and extension of the officer and we wanted a squad that gives them a little extra feeling of pride," Crocker said. "We hope the community share that with us."
Driving the new squad car in this year's parade with be Thomas Bergs, who was chosen Brainerd officer of the year by his fellow officers. The new design will be used as the police department replaces squad cars. The department has a budget for two new squads a year, Bolduc said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
