A few deputies in Bexar County, Texas, are rumored to have let out a “Yeehaw!” after the sheriff reinstated cowboy hats as an optional part of the dress code.
The move by the newly elected sheriff, Susan Pamerleau, overturned a western-hat ban that dated back nearly 20 years. During her announcement, she wore a Stetson western hat.
The news release said the policy change was greeted favorably by deputies:
“I have heard from many deputies that they wanted the western hat to return,” Pamerleau said. “They feel, and I agree, the hat distinguishes them from other police officers and allows citizens to quickly identify them as Sheriff’s Deputies.” [...]
“I think it’s great and it will do a lot for morale,” said Lt. Tom Roach, who has been with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office since 1985. “We are Texas Sheriff’s Deputies, and the time-honored tradition of the western hat should be part of our uniform.”
According an email from N. Paul Berry, chief communications officer with the department, Capt. Martin Molina (pictured at top) was “very happy” when the new policy came down. “He was around before the ban took place in the mid-1990s.”
The policy states that deputies can wear natural-colored western straw hats during the summer and gray or silverbelly felt cowboy hats in the winter.
Pamerlau’s announcement made national news, and led at least one media outlet to speculate whether the cowboy hats are becoming more fashionable.
If you, like Pamerlau, prefer western hats from Stetson, we offer several several styles and colors in addition to the one she wears:
And with warm weather coming, maybe you’ll also want our best-selling western straw hats:
Remember, we have great western hats from brands such as Bailey, Atwood, Charlie 1 Horse, Stetson, Resistol, MHT, and more.
(Photos of Pamerlau and Molina courtesy of Bexar County Sheriff’s Office)
