WSP troopers capture best-dressed honors

OLYMPIA – It’s a look that lead-footed drivers know all too well: the crisp black bow tie and blue “Smokey Bear” hat of a Washington State Patrol trooper.

And according to a national trade group, those outfits are the best-looking state police uniforms in the country.

The patrol, which has been wearing the peaked hats and distinctive bow ties for about 70 years, recently was named America’s best-dressed state police agency by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors.

It’s the 30th year the association has held its “Best-Dressed Law Enforcement” contest, with winners named in eight categories.

Washington’s state troopers have taken runner-up honors before, but this is the first year their getup has been recognized as tops in the country, said Capt. Bill Hilton, who helped compile the agency’s award application.

“If you really want to be the best, you have to look your best,” State Patrol Chief John Batiste said.

As one of the winners, the Washington State Patrol will get an award plaque and take part in a photo spread for “Law and Order” magazine, association spokeswoman Jackie Rosselli said Tuesday.

“It’s a big deal in the law enforcement community. … It’s bragging rights for departments nationwide,” Rosselli said. “We do it because we believe that uniforms are an important part of projecting the image that is necessary for the work that they do.”