The signature bow ties that Washington State Patrol officers have worn since 1937 have a practical purpose.
“To me, the bow tie is a whole lot safer than even a clip-on long tie, because if you’re dealing with drunks, you don’t want them to have something they can get a hold on,” said Sgt. Freddy Williams, who has taught defensive tactics at the patrol academy. The pre-tied bow ties are fastened with a clip.
The State Patrol uniform’s bow ties, blue shirts, slacks with dark blue trim, black leather gun belts and flat-brimmed hats once again have been recognized as the nation’s best.
Actually, the bow ties helped Washington forge a tie with the Mississippi Highway Patrol for the nation’s best-dressed award, handed out yearly by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors. The Washington State Patrol also won the award last year.
