About Our Uniform:
Officers of the Town of Abingdon Police Department wear a red patch with embroidered image of the town seal. This seal has a long history associated with the development of the one time western frontier outpost of Black’s Fort and its evolution to what is now present day Abingdon.
The inner seal consists of a Saltier Cross and four triangle shaped divisions. The Saltier Cross, or Cross of Saint Andrew, is representative of religion and history. The Cross of Saint Andrew is an ancient Scottish symbol. The cross was a prominent symbol among Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who were dominant among the early settlers of Abingdon.
The geographical significance of the cross traces its history from the fact that Abingdon was located at the crossing of two famous Indian trails.
The four segments of the circle represent the following:
- Early History: Abingdon was originally founded as a pioneer log fort, known as Black’s Fort, in the hills of western Virginia. The wolf’s head is also a direct link to the Town’s first official name, the Town of Wolf Hills. Legend has it that Daniel Boone was camping outside one of the local caves on one of his many hunting trips when his dogs were attacked by a pack of wolves that resided in the cave. Hence the name of Wolf Hills.
- Advancement: The community quickly advanced from a wilderness camp to a frontier community with a large industry and trade base. This is represented by the axe and the wagon wheel.
- Culture: The community grew quickly from a trading post in to a center of refinement and education. The open book and candle represent learning. The ancient Greek symbols of the theatrical masks (comedy and tragedy) represent the arts culture that the Town has long been known for. Abingdon is home of the Barter Theater, the oldest performing arts theater in Virginia.
- Economy: The economy was originally based in agriculture. The primary income producers are still burley tobacco and milk
- The symbols depicted on the seal are that of a burley tobacco plant and of a typical dairy cow.
Colors:
- Blue represents the color of the Virginia skies and the mountains that surround the Town of Abingdon.
- Red symbolizes the red blood of courage in tribute to the pioneers who braved the unknown hardships and dangers of the wilderness to establish civilized society.
- The Bronze cross represents the dusty trails that crossed in Abingdon.