By Erica Thomas, managing editor
SPRINGVILLE — The new Springville Police Chief is working to improve the look of his officers and his department. With new uniforms and new vehicle decals, officers say they are pleased with the changes.
“The morale of this department is through the roof,” said Sgt. Michael Long. “The officers are excited about the direction the department is going.”
Long, who has worked for the Springville Police Department for seven-and-a-half years, said he has seen positive changes with Chief Wayne Walton.
“Chief has Springville’s best interest at heart,” he said. “Nobody loves the city of Springville more than he does.”
The new uniform will cost less than the previous uniforms but will be more comfortable for the officers, according to Walton.
The Springville City Council approved the $5,422.60 purchase from the existing budget. The money will come from the Safe Streets funds. During his presentation to the council, Walton said some of his officers only had two uniforms and that some of them had to buy their own uniforms.
Walton said the new uniforms will equip seven officers with warm weather and cold weather clothing.
“These pants are a little bit stronger and they’re not polyester,” Walton said. “The shirts are the same shirts that Troopers wear.”
The purchase includes gear for two new officer hires that Walton is in the process of completing.
The officers will also be able to wear their badges instead of having embroidered badges on their shirts.
“This uniform is a whole lot better looking than what they’re wearing now,” said Walton.
Chief Walton is also bringing service ribbons back to the department. Award ribbons will be worn on the officers’ uniforms, something Walton believes his officers deserve.
Sgt. Long said he has worn the new uniform and he believes the change will reflect positively on the department as a whole.
“We like to feel good and look good,” said Long. “They’re really comfortable but yet they look really professional and they give us the appearance that we like to have as an officer.”
Another change already made is to the appearance of police vehicles. New stripe decals have “Thin Blue Line” flags and “In God We Trust” on the rear of every vehicle.
Walton hopes to add vehicles to his fleet and will present pricing at the next council work session.