First to Serve Patch

The center feature of the Eighth Class Patch is a pair of metal collar devices worn by officers in the 1950's. At that time the agency had seven field divisions, A thru G. The number 62 represents the officers badge number. Remember the Fifth Class patch? It was number 62. The Class had 18 graduating officers. It also had six biologists which are represented by their initials. One of the biologists, GB, is given prominence because he went on to head the agency as its Executive Director. That person is Glenn Bowers. Metallic thread is used in the Silver and Gold portions of the design.

The 7th Class patch also displays an image of an actual badge ( No. 7 ) that was carried by officers in the 1950’s. Their rank was inscribed on the badge. This badge identifies the holder as a Game Protector. Here it is reproduced in metallic gold thread. These badges were seldom worn on an outer garment….generally they were carried in a front pocket or sometimes in their bill fold. The number 12 in the keystone in the outer ring represents the graduating officers in the 7th class.

The 6th Class patch also displays an image of an actual badge ( No. 6 ) that was carried by officers in the 1950 - 1951 era. It is reproduced in metallic gold thread. These badges were seldom worn on an outer garment, and if so, they were pinned to the lapel of their civilian shirt or jacket. Generally they were carried in their pocket or sometimes in the bill fold. There is a keystone with the number 20 in the outer ring. This represents the graduating officers in the 6th Class.

The 5th Class patch displays an image of an actual badge ( No. 62 ). Research indicates that it was carried by officers J. Campbell, R. Seager, G. Gardner, D. Krause, G. Everley, J. Heller and R. West. Back then badges were carried in the pocket or in their bill fold. Hence the name " Pocket Badge " ! On occasion they were pinned to the lapel of an outer garment. This badge is made of metallic silver thread. It also carries the number 26 in the outer ring. This is the number of graduating officers. The next several patches will feature badges carried by officers of that era.

The 4th Class patch displays an image of the badge ( No. 81 ) that was carried by officers of that day. It is said that this style was the first issued badge. The Commonwealth seal was an insert. Back then badges were seldom worn on an outer garment. Preferably, they were carried in the pocket or in their bill fold. On occasion they were pinned to the lapel of an outer garment. Hence, the name, Pocket Badge. This badge is made of metallic silver thread. Metallic gold thread forms the outer ring. It also carries the number 28 in the outer ring on the right side. This is the number of graduating officers. The next several patches will feature badges carried by officers of that dated era.

The First To Serve patch represents those officers who served the Commission since its inception in 1895 to the start of the First training class in 1936. The central theme is taken from a 1932 photo that is displayed in the Training School. Officer Bill Macky from Carbon County was one of the two officers in that photo. Space limited us to using just one officer on horseback.....So that would be, for historic purposes, Bill

The 1st Class patch has the central figure or logo being that Maroon Keystone patch that was worn by the officers of that era. The Green is that of their uniform shirts and trousers. Black represents the piping on their uniform, and their leather. Silver represents the buttons on their uniform and the studs and buckle on their leather. One star for each graduating officer, and one for the Superintendent and Ass't. Super.

In the 2nd Class patch, the colors used represent the colors worn by the officers in that class. The green is that of their shirts and trousers; The black represents the piping on their trousers, the color of their leather and hat; The silver keystone represents the Silver Pin that the First and Second class trainees wore on their caps while in the training school; The red ring represents the color of the keystone shoulder patch; AND the stars represent each graduating officer. Added something new. The Keystone is made of metallic thread. Adds a real nice sheen and neat color dimension when it is viewed at different angels.

This patch commemorates those who served in the Three branches of the armed forces during that era. The symbols on the patch are those of the three branches: The Navy, The Army & Army Air Corp, and The Marines. The Liberty Bell represents Pennsylvania. These are all made of metallic thread. The number 24 represents the 24 graduating officers. These officers were in class from 1941 to 1942.

The 12th Class patch carries the colors of that era and the central theme is the "Position Patch" that was worn on the uniforms....This was the first class to wear that patch. The stars still represent graduating officers, as in the other patches.

In the 13th Class patch, the same star scheme as in the others.....25 Stars, 25 graduating officers. The central theme is that of PA's Triple Trophy Award that was implemented in 1968 ( and discontinued in 1973) while this class was in session. The name of the School's Superintendent ( Don Miller )and Assistant Super ( Charles Laird ) are inscribed on it.

Eighth Class Patch