November 1, 2005
The Albemarle County Police Department is sporting a different look. After 20 years with the same badge - the force has a brand new shield.
On Tuesday, the department officially changed over their badges to the new ones - with Monticello as the backdrop. The ceremony was held, appropriately, at Thomas Jefferson's home.
Corporal Tripp Martin came up with the idea and design for the new look, wanting to set Albemarle apart from other departments. The whole process took about a year and a half. Martin says it was definitely worth it.
"It gives us our own identity. It sets us apart from any department in the country. In the world for that matter," said Cpl. Tripp Martin. "It's very exciting to actually have it pinned on today. It's a dream come true actually, and it's great to have the support of the community."
All county police started wearing the new badges Tuesday. Private sources donated money for them.
