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Special badges commemorate Nevada's sesquicentennial
By Steve Moyer
Nevada Daily Mail
Nevada police officers will be wearing something to commemorate Nevada's sesquicentennial -- new badges. The badges depict the state seal in the center, an eagle, the dates 1885-2005, two American flags draped along the edges and Nevada, MO at the bottom.
The badges were provided by a company, Gold Badges, Inc., a company Keim and her husband Phil formed after their retirements; but the funds were from the Keims themselves. Phil Keim spoke to the officers before the chief handed out the badges. "We wanted to do something for the officers here," Phil said. "This was one way to show how much we appreciate the work these officers do."
On hand to witness the presentations were Mayor Brian Leonard, City Manager Craig Hubler, Parks and Recreation Director Carol Branham and other city notables.
Christine Keim told the officers the badges would only be worn during 2005. "You can wear these badges until January, when you will again wear your old badges," Christine Keim said. "What I want you to do is turn in your old badges so I know you will have them in January when you go back to wearing them."
The Keims had kept the badge presentation secret from the officers before the meeting, so officers were unaware of what was up and why they were called into the council chambers. All the officers were told is that there was a meeting. This turned out to be unfortunate.
Christine Keim's plan went awry when none of the off-duty police officers had their badges to turn in. "What would you do if something came up that required your participation as a police officer?" she asked.
"Call the sheriff," one wag replied.
Each officer will be allowed to keep the new badges when the department goes back to the old ones. "You can keep these badges as keepsakes," Christine Keim said. "Just don't sell them on Ebay."