Banning Police Unveil Centennial Badges

The Banning Police Department hosted an unveiling ceremony Tuesday to showcase their new centennial badges.

Banning-Beaumont Patch got a sneak peek at the badges-- that officers can wear from Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2013-- which feature a stagecoach parked in front of the historic Gilman House.

"We wanted to really celebrate the history of the city," Police Chief Leonard Purvis told Patch.

At 1 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 18, the public was welcomed to attend the official badge release ceremony at the police department's community room.  Officers showcased the new badges, and talked about some of the history of the local police department.

The badges, which were paid for by the police officers' association, were chosen over patches to help keep costs down.  It's optional for the officers to wear them, but Purvis says most people are looking forward to wearing the special badge.

Since the city's incorporation in February 1913, Banning has maintained its own police department, starting out as a city marshal-run department in the early days.

In the gallery above, be sure to check out the pictures of some of the photos of Banning police badges and patches the department has worn through its 100 years.