PATCH AND BADGE

UNIFORM PATCH

The Howell County Sheriff's Office active service patch was designed January 19, 2020 by Brent H. Campbell, Matt W. Foster and Jason W. McDaniel in effort to embody rich meaning and a unified history.  As noted; the service patch denotes the County of Howell and the State of Missouri and further scribed is the modern motto of the United States of America "In God we trust" which was established in 1956 by law and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  The new revised service patch was approved on August 4, 2020 by Sheriff-Elect Brent H. Campbell to replace the previous service patch on January 1, 2021.  As with the State of Missouri coat of arms, the Howell County Sheriff’s Office coat of arms which is centered on the patch is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon also known as a shield. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full unified heraldic. Heraldic designs came into general use among European nobility in the 12th century.

The Howell County Sheriff’s Office coat of arms can be broken down into 12 symbolic meanings denoting the 12th century when the coat of arms came into existence. The seven point stars noted above the knight’s helmet are a symbol of when the County of Howell was first organized in the 19th Century on March 2, 1857. The gold knight’s helmet in itself can be traced back to the 14th century and denotes specific meaning as in the helmet visor being closed and slightly canted symbolizes an esquire and gentlemen, while it being made of gold alludes to prosperity, achievement and honor, as noted in the flag finials, escutcheon and scroll. The United States Flag denotes allegiance to the core beliefs of this country that have unified our efforts in a better quality of life from its first conception on July 4, 1776.

The Missouri State Flag further symbolizes the unified core beliefs of this great state and the intrinsic motivation noted on August 10, 1821 when Missouri became the 24th state in the union in order to pursue a better quality of life. The American black bear to the left and right of the escutcheon is one of the largest mammals in Missouri and symbolizes a protector with courage and black symbolizing knowledge and jurisprudence, physical strength and leadership. The escutcheon encompasses each major city within the County of Howell from left to right: Bears of Willow Springs, Zizzer Lighting Bolts of West Plains, the Liberty Eagles of Mountain View and the hand-held torch denotes the unified county as being the standard bearers in providing light while navigating the future with a fair and impartial approach to community. The year of the county 1857, is superimposed on the colors of black and gold defining the bedrock of the county. The oak leafs on the scroll from left to right denote the prominent tree in Missouri, which symbolizes unwavering strength, morale, resistance and knowledge. Lastly, the words “Leading By Example” is more than just a phrase, the County of Howell strives to lead by example in being forever productive and forever beautiful for future generations.

UNIFORM BADGE

The Sheriff has a proud history in America and England that spans well over a thousand years, from the early “Middle Ages” to the present.  The word shire-reeve became the modern English word “Sheriff” the chief law enforcement officer of the county.  With this great history; the men and women of this office face many challenges in order to serve and protect the quality of life of our beloved County.  As noted in the bedrock of the United States of America and many other law enforcement services, Christianity comes with many symbols of faith.  Most notably, the seven pointed star is a symbolic meaning of protection for those self-less personnel and represents the perfection of God and the seven days of creation.  The active service badge "Seven Pointed Star" was reinstated on August 4, 2020 by Sheriff-Elect Brent H. Campbell to replace the previous service star on January 1, 2021. 

The seven pointed star further denotes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; Wisdom - #1 Point, Understanding - #2 Point, Counsel - #3 Point, Fortitude - #4 Point, Knowledge - #5 Point, Piety - #6 Point, and fear of the Lord - #7 Point.  The Great Seal of the State of Missouri is centered in the seven pointed star symbolizing the unified core beliefs and authority of this great state and the intrinsic motivation noted on August 10, 1821 when Missouri became the 24th state in the union in order to pursue a better quality of life.  This star is worn on the left breast side of those self-less personnel as to protect their heart with armor and to represent the honorable profession of public safety.