By Glenn Rolfe

MILLSBORO — Police Chief Brian Calloway is big on tradition.

And, while change is inevitable, he said a new uniform option for the town’s patrol officers provides flexibility, comfort and weight distribution, while maintaining his department’s heritage.

“This uniform has not changed in many years. I think this (current) uniform dates to about the 1960s — French blue shirt, navy pants and yellow stripe down the leg,” said Chief Calloway. “I am a traditional type of person. I will always wear this uniform. But I am a dying breed.

“So, to be able (to) accommodate staff, we did a uniform wear test. We looked at tons of uniforms. It took almost a year to be able to figure out which uniform was going to fit our needs.”

The color scheme and striping remain in the updated outfits, and they include outer vests that allow officers to carry equipment previously worn on their belts. The cost for the additional clothing was $14,000.

“We had a couple of our officers that wore these uniforms. We worked with several vendors to see what would work best but also what would represent our agency when they go to a complaint. And ... what would also hold our tradition,” the chief said. “After quite a bit of time and quite a bit of trial and tribulation, we found a uniform.”

The updated pants provide more durability, plus a pocket for a notebook. They replace the typical dress pants and “allow for flexibility in areas where they tend to rip,” said Chief Calloway.

Sgt. Patrick Forester, who has been with the force nearly two decades, modeled the new uniform at Monday’s mayor and Town Council meeting. He noted that the second option is popular with newer officers.

“Myself, I wore the old uniform for 19-plus years,” he said. “The newer guys, they liked this. This was the look they were going for. I think they are all very happy. From what I have heard from them, … they are very pleased with the uniform. They like the look. They like the feel of it.”

Chief Calloway also made clear that the patrol officers can wear either the traditional uniforms or the updated ones.

Each will have three short-sleeved and three long-sleeved shirts, three pairs of pants and a vest carrier. Chief Calloway said he hopes to purchase different vest carriers in the next budgetary cycle.

He added that it’s key for the town’s law enforcement to be identifiable.

“One of the things that is very important for me as a police officer is, obviously, the uniform. It’s the first thing people see,” the chief said. “If Patrick Forester and I both came to a complaint, you, as a citizen of Millsboro, would know that that is a Millsboro police officer.”