• Registered: 2006-11-14
  • Posts: 71

Topic: Dress Blue Uniforms

I have added a section to the FAQ/Q&A page about the piping and stars on fire service dress blue uniforms. I would like to hear comments from other departments and other parts of the country. I know that there are probably situations or policies that are different from what I have heard. - Mica
http://www.riotacts.com/fire/QA.html#dressblues

2 Reply by spark

  • spark
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2006-11-21
  • Posts: 102

Re: Dress Blue Uniforms

One of your examples shows the little Maltese crosses. I've seen several versions of this, and do like them. I like the stars as well. I think so far, they have always represented five year periods, in most departments. One thing I personally like, though it's of limited value. Some uniforms have the hash marks (slanted) on their long sleeve issues, to represent a four year span I think. The PD where we work uses this method. They present like the old version of Military overseas service kinda thing I think.

In my observation, your descriptions of the piping seems pretty standard as well.

  • Registered: 2008-09-02
  • Posts: 2

Re: Dress Blue Uniforms

Hello I am a fireman from Peru. I have a doubt, the maltese crosses reflecting your time in the fire service,  go only on the left sleeve of the dress or go on both sleeves?, per example if you have 15 years of service you put 3 on each sleeve or only 3 on the left sleeve.
sincerely.

Upchdoc

  • Registered: 2006-11-14
  • Posts: 71

Re: Dress Blue Uniforms

Thanks for the good question.

I have never seen the stars or crosses on anything other than the left sleeve.

If you look around you can se this on the pictures of fire chiefs. Here are some examples"
http://www.cityoflewisville.com/wcmsite … ion+Chiefs
http://www.cityoflewisville.com/wcmsite … fs+Welcome
http://www.ci.pomona.ca.us/city_departments/fire/
http://www.ci.tarpon-springs.fl.us/fire_station.htm
http://www.cityofsouthfield.com/DK/Fire … fault.aspx

Here they use a service bar, instead of a star, but it is still just on the left sleeve.
http://www.gonashua.com/CityGovernment/ … fault.aspx

If you will search "images" on Google and the words " fire chief " you will see many examples.

Thanks again for a good question.

  • Registered: 2008-09-02
  • Posts: 2

Re: Dress Blue Uniforms

HI Captmica

One friend of mine who is from the highlands of Peru (a very cold place)  is asking if there is samething like an oficial overcoat to use with the fire service dress blue uniform? And what are its caracteristics?

Upchdoc

6 Reply by spark

  • spark
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2006-11-21
  • Posts: 102

Re: Dress Blue Uniforms

Now that's an interesting question! This poster isn't sure, but such questions could be posed to makers or vendors of Dress Blues? In my mind, much like the old Navy pea coats, and the uniform overcoats worn by Police in cold settings, there may be a version of this or at least a need.