Kearney Police unveil commemorative badge for 150th anniversary of city’s founding

KEARNEY, Neb. — Kearney police officers will be sporting a new badge this year.

The police department unveiled a commemorative badge in honor of the city’s sesquicentennial at the Kearney City Council meeting Tuesday night. Chief Bryan Waugh says the badge fits with a tradition in law enforcement of memorializing milestones in careers and big moments in history.

“This is a huge one. 150 years of the city of Kearney, since the founding of the city," Waugh said. "The opportunity to memorialize that through a commemorative Kearney Police badge seemed like a great opportunity to show the pride and professionalism displayed by our officers over that 150-year period.”

The badge was designed by a committee of command staff, supervisors, officers, retired officers and civilian staff. It includes the 150th anniversary emblem, the seal of the state of Nebraska, the officers rank and badge number. Sergeants, lieutenants, captains and the chief wear a gold badge while officers wear a silver one.

“We didn’t want to get too into the weeds on being too super creative. We wanted to honor the past, we also wanted to understand that we have a wonderful future and embrace the present," Waugh said. "I think this badge does that.”

Kearney Police will also receive a patch version to wear on their external vest carrier.