Excellence Takes Center Stage at Image of the Year, Public Safety Awards

The association honored its own in grand fashion during the convention, hosting two nighttime events that celebrated the works of those in the image apparel and public safety industries.

Members were recognized for their achievements over the past year in producing some of the most distinguished and recognizable designs worn by companies across North America, taking center stage at Saturday’s Image of the Year Awards and Sunday’s Public Safety Uniform of the Year Awards dinners.

In all, NAUMD paid tribute to six members in the public safety sector, and seven image apparel suppliers, with one company – Galls – receiving awards in both competitions.

At Saturday’s event, industry giants Cintas and Unisync walked away with three and four Image awards respectively, while Disney took home two. Others taking top honors for imagewear programs were Superior Uniform Group, Omega Uniform Systems and Lion Uniform Group, who each were awarded one.

Six members took home awards during Sunday’s Public Safety Uniform of the Year Awards. The evening gala, which included dinner and entertainment – a first for the Public Safety Awards, the association presented Galls with two honors, and one each for the following companies: Red the Uniform Tailor; Freed & Freed International Ltd; Fechheimer Bros; United Uniform; and Hess Embroidery & Uniform LLC.  

The 2011 Image of the Year recipients and their winning programs by category, are:

Public Safety’s Prime Time Premier

This year marked the first time that the public safety awards were handed out at an evening reception. Previously, winners were announced during the convention’s kickoff welcome breakfast. “The awards are a celebration of the very best the industry has to offer in the design, protection and enhancement of public safety professionals,” commented Richard Lerman when asked about the time switch. “The move reflects its stature in the association and its longstanding popularity with members.” NAUMD has sponsored the competition since 1977.

And what better way to honor North America’s finest public safety professionals than with an appearance by a former U.S. President? That’s exactly what happened – sort of – when George Bush impersonator and lookalike John Morgan took the stage after the winners were announced. Known as “the face” of the former Commander in Chief, Morgan wowed the crowd with his hilarious, but respectful performance, complete with famous George W. faux pas and malapropisms.

The 2011 Uniform of the Year Award recipients and their departments, by category, are:

Fire Services:

Red the Uniform Tailor for Gwinnett County Fire Services

Canadian Department:

Freed & Freed International Ltd. for Royal Canadian Mounted Police

University Department:

Galls, an Aramark Company, for the University of Kentucky

State Department:

Fechheimer Bros. Company, for the Connecticut State Police

Sheriff’s Department:

United Uniform for Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Department Under 50 Police Officers:

Hess Embroidery & Uniform LLC for Wyomissing Police Department

Special Recognition:

Galls, an Aramark Company for the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard

“Rat Pack” Headline Image of the Year Awards

If John Morgan left some longing for the Bush years, others were equally nostalgic during Saturday’s Image of the Year Awards. In fact, many may have felt they were on the Vegas strip, circa 1965, eating dinner at Caesar’s or the Sands while listening to the melodic sounds and voices of Sinatra, Martin and Davis – the infamous Rat Pack.

Of course, members were actually listening to a very convincing trio of entertainers also known as the Rat Pack, a tribute band paying homage to their famous counterparts. Frankie, Dino and Sammy sang all the old favorites separately and as a group during dinner and in between segments of the Image Awards, with many members humming along with them. Even if you didn’t know the words, or were too young to know who Sinatra and company were, it was impossible not to enjoy this very memorable evening.    

Information and entry materials for the 2012 Image of the Year and Public Safety Uniform of the Year Award competitions will be available in the fall. Check the association’s website, www.naumd.com, or email jarosselli@naumd.com for details and tips on how to enter.