Patrol cars receive joint base makeover

Published Aug. 28, 2015
By 87th Security Forces Squadron

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 87th Security Forces Squadron recently updated the look on all of their patrol vehicles to display the true joint mission of the unit.

The former look of the vehicles displayed the security forces shield decal pattern modeled after the Air Force Technical Order. This "Air Force centric" look did not showcase the true composition and spirit of the 87th SFS and the joint base.

In July 2015, Col. Frederick Thaden, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander, authorized the 87th SFS to change all of the vehicles to display a new joint decal.

The new decal has "Joint Base MDL" at the top with the "Protect and Serve" inscription at the bottom. This is a familiar theme with police departments around the country.

Finally, the U.S. Air Force Security shield, U.S. Navy Master at Arms badge and Department of the Air Force Police badge above the joint base emblem adorn the middle of the decal atop the "thin blue line," bringing the joint initiative together.

The 87th SFS is comprised of Air Force, Navy and civilian police officers who embody a joint organization and provide safety and security operations to all personnel living and working on the installation.

As the sole law enforcement agency, they patrol the entire joint base and are responsible for defending its population from potential hostile threats while maintaining day-to-day police operations.

Senior Master Sgt. Chris Wright, Staff Sgt. Roger Vasquez and Police Officer Dan Ecks, 87th SFS members, designed the new decal.

Their efforts not only envisioned a legacy within the joint base confines, but created a buzz in local police departments.