3-03/330.00 - Medals, Pins and Emblems



Armed Forces Ribbons

Uniform ribbons representing duly authorized decorations or awards for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or any of its allies when this country was at war, may be worn as prescribed for the particular ribbon in the official regulations governing the awards.  Ribbons shall be worn on the left side of the Class A uniform below the badge and above any Department pin.

Departmental /Lapel Pins

Formal medals awarded by this Department for valor, line of duty, meritorious conduct, distinguished service, or exemplary service shall only be worn on formal occasions as announced by the Sheriff; however, the corresponding pins can be worn year-round.

Uniform pins representing Department awards may be worn on the Class A or B uniform shirt or dress jacket.  When worn, the pin(s) shall be placed below the badge, centered on the top seam of the left breast pocket.  Members shall not wear or display medals or pins to which they are not entitled.  The proper positioning of each individual pin shall be as follows:

  • Medal of Valor pin, (red/white/blue) shall be worn with the red side facing the center of the shirt;

  • Meritorious Conduct-Gold, (blue/white) shall be worn with the blue side facing the center of the shirt;

  • Meritorious Conduct-Silver, (red/white) shall be worn with the red side facing the center of the shirt;

  • Line of Duty Award, (purple/white) shall be worn with the purple side facing the center of the shirt;

  • Distinguished Service Award (green/gold) shall be worn with the green side facing the center of the shirt; and

  • Meritorious Service Award (green/gold/green), Exemplary Service Award (gold/green/gold), and the Sheriff's Award (gold/green/gold) are symmetrical.

In the case of multiple Department awards, the group of pins shall be centered as described above, with the highest award closest to the center of the shirt.  No more than three pins shall be worn parallel in a row, with a maximum of two rows, including any military ribbons.  The highest award shall always be on the top row closest to the center of the shirt.

Uniform lapel pins representing Department awards may be worn on civilian attire in a manner appropriate to the type of clothing worn.

Other Emblems/Pins

An emblem/pin awarded for shooting proficiency, County service, Department service, Veteran's Discharge, other similar recognition pins issued by the Department, or other individual pins issued by outside organizations, as approved by the Sheriff or Undersheriff, may be worn on the right breast pocket flap, between the center button and left edge.  If possible, the pin should not extend beyond the double needle topstitching of the pocket flap.  Only one emblem or pin of an employee's choice may be worn on Departmental uniforms.