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November 08, 2005
SymbolArts Coins stir pride for Elmira police officers
 If you want to see a sparkle come to the eyes of an Elmira city police officer, ask an officer to show you his or her challenge coin that was produced through SymbolArts.
Earlier this year, Police Chief W. Scott Drake III started handing out the brass coins with the police department seal to officers with five or more years of experience on the force.
Drake said he first heard about challenge coins while attending the FBI National Academy.
"I thought it was a good idea," he said, noting the coins originated in the military.
There are a number of stories surrounding the coins and the military traditions involving them. Each coin Drake has handed to his officers includes a history of the coins:
"Challenge coins surfaced during the Vietnam- War era. The practice of carrying a coin designed specifically for a unit was popular with the Army Special Forces.
"Carrying the coin at all times and presenting it when 'challenged' to prove affiliation with that unit resulted in a number of consequences for those who could not produce a coin - the most popular required the coinless soldier to buy a round of drinks.
"That practice continues to be popular today."
A history buff, Chief Drake said he likes the tradition behind the coins and the esprit de corps they tend to inspire.
"It reminds officers of our core values," he said.
The officers eligible for the coins keep them close and not for a free drink.
"I keep mine in my pouch," said Officer Cathy Bergh, who quickly retrieved it.
"I really like the craftsmanship," she said, taking it out of its plastic slipcover and pointing out the detail of the design. She also pulled out the accompanying history card with the coin.
"I identified with the Vietnam era," she said. "That was such a prevalent topic when I was in high school."
Many of the officers, such as Traffic Bureau Officer William Bresser, keep the coins in their billfolds.
"It just makes you feel good," Bresser said.
Drake, who paid for the coins himself, ordered 300 of them.
"I wanted to make sure officers will get them even when I'm no longer here," he said.
SymbolArts, an Ogden based company, is a supplier of public safety insignia products such as badges, patch, pins, and coins to law enforcement agencies across the country and internationally. Visit our website at www.symbolarts.com.
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