Wyoming County Bans Rodeo Gear - The decision of Sublette County authorities to ban police officers from donning rodeo gear - particularly cowboy hats and boots - has forced one veteran deputy to hand in his resignation.
The new Sublette County Sheriff Stephen Haskell explained that the local police were using several different uniforms and that their appearance wasn't professional. "I had my patrol duties wearing one uniform. I had detention wearing another uniform. It looked like the Skittles platoon" he explained. "We had a rainbow of colors. Who the heck is who?"
"All law enforcement is supposed to be professional and look the same."
Reports indicate that Haskell has directed his men to wear a black ball cap and black rubber boots with rubber sole, along with their customary tan shirt and black pants. Haskell has explained that the newly prescribed boots with rubber soles are ideal for ice and that the new uniforms will improve teamwork and professionalism in the force.
Since the new Sheriff announced his ban on rodeo gear, there has reportedly been some grumbling in the ranks, but none like a 28-year-veteran Gene Bryson, who quit the force last week over the new dress code.
Bryson, who was raised as a cowboy, explains that he has been wearing cowboy hats since he was 19 years old. "I am not going to change. I've been here for 40-odd years in the Sheriff's Office, and I'm not going to go out and buy combat boots and throw my vest and hat away and say, 'This is the new me,' he explained.
The news of Haskell's radical decision to ban the police from using rodeo gear in the State of Wyoming, which has historically been closely associated with the cowboy appearance and way of life, has confounded many.
But Haskell explains that he'd rather have his men fully focused on their job than distracted by their outfit.
