Monroe Police Department Firsts
• James Ball was appointed Village Marshall in 1858
• 1905, first telephone alarm system in the city
• 1921, first motorized vehicle, a motorcycle
• 1931, first patrol car
• 1938, first radio purchased in conjunction with the Green County Sheriff's Department
MONROE - There's a new look to the Monroe Police Department.
Since late last week officers have worn a commemorative badge.
In honor of the city's 150th anniversary, the police department changed its badges. A five-star badge, similar to what officers would have worn in the late 1890s, replaced the normal badges, Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said.
"We did some research and discovered that around 1890 officers were issued a helmet, uniform coat, belt and star," he said.
There were a couple different versions of the star usually worn by police officers 150 years ago, including a six-pointed star.
Command officers, including the chief, captain and lieutenants will wear the gold-colored badges; line officers will wear a silver badge.
The writing on the badges looks like antique type, Kelley said.
Kelley said the badges will be a part of the uniform for at least five years, maybe longer.
"We wanted something we could wear for a while," Kelley said. "We might keep them longer than five years, but that's the initial plan right now."
The old badges will be stored until they are needed again.
Graphics of the new badge will be used for police letterheads. The department plans to have stickers of the new badges placed on squad cars.
"This is a good time to do this," Kelley said. "We have the sesquicentennial and Cheese Days this year.
"We want to show our pride in the community and the department."
Since late last week officers have worn a commemorative badge.
In honor of the city's 150th anniversary, the police department changed its badges. A five-star badge, similar to what officers would have worn in the late 1890s, replaced the normal badges, Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said.
"We did some research and discovered that around 1890 officers were issued a helmet, uniform coat, belt and star," he said.
There were a couple different versions of the star usually worn by police officers 150 years ago, including a six-pointed star.
Command officers, including the chief, captain and lieutenants will wear the gold-colored badges; line officers will wear a silver badge.
The writing on the badges looks like antique type, Kelley said.
Kelley said the badges will be a part of the uniform for at least five years, maybe longer.
"We wanted something we could wear for a while," Kelley said. "We might keep them longer than five years, but that's the initial plan right now."
The old badges will be stored until they are needed again.
Graphics of the new badge will be used for police letterheads. The department plans to have stickers of the new badges placed on squad cars.
"This is a good time to do this," Kelley said. "We have the sesquicentennial and Cheese Days this year.
"We want to show our pride in the community and the department."