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April 29, 2005
New police patch shows U.S. pride
By DOUG McMURDO "I visualized this patch awhile ago thinking about our history and how much current events have changed our country; the sacrifices made and are still being made for our freedom," wrote DeMeo in a statement. The continuing impacts the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks had on the nation played a role in the design as well, as evidenced by the American flag background, with special meaning designated for each of the 13 stars and 11 stripes that are represented. A gold and black Nye County sheriff's badge is embroidered into the patch; inside the star is a depiction of Nye County's sunshine, and its mining and ranching history. DeMeo said the manufacturer took his drawn concept and this month presented the sheriff with the finished product. "I looked at the history and events and thought that it was necessary for us to remember our past and present so we can better understand the future," DeMeo wrote. In explaining the patch and its significance, DeMeo stated, "The flag is represented to remind us of this great country, the freedom we enjoy, and the U.S. Constitution that we defend that protects those freedoms. "It also represents that freedom isn't free. It stands for the price that has been paid by those in the military, law enforcement, the citizens we serve and the continued vigilance that is the responsibility of all Americans. "The gold and silver border represents the mining industry. Nevada is the largest producer of gold in the nation; silver is the state metal. "The flag's nine stars and 11 stripes represent the day the terrorists attacked the United States (9/11/01). "At the bottom of the blue field are three additional stars, each representing the targets terrorists attacked, one for each tower of the World Trade Center and the third for the Pentagon. The largest star, next to the left point of the sheriff's badge, represents the heroes of Flight 93 that became the first combatants in the new war on terror and prevented their plane from hitting its intended target. "This star is also symbolic of the partnership between citizens and law enforcement to help keep the communities of our nation safe. "The top of the patch reads Nye County Sheriff's Office and is silver and blue, Nevada's colors. "1864 is the year Nevada became a state and on April 8, 1864 Edward Irwin was appointed Nye County sheriff. "The new patch (has been placed in service this month). It was not designed by one person but by the history of the United States and the State of Nevada as well as significant events that have and will take place to protect the nation." |
