MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Police Department announced April 7 that they are changing the shoulder patches on their uniform to better reflect the city’s identity.

The new patch design depicts the city’s symbol of a duck swimming through cattails.  This design concept is believed to be the inspiration of former Mayor Maralyn Hardacre.  Chief Rick Gramza said that using the design used by other city departments goes hand in hand with their mission statement of being “in partnership with the community.”

Officers will be allowed to transition their uniforms over the 2015 calendar year, so community members will continue to see some officers with the old design for the immediate future.

The retiring patch design has the state of Wisconsin seal surrounded by the words, “Marshfield Police Wis.” This has been the department’s patch for the entire careers of all of the current Marshfield police officers, so it holds a strong point of reference for many in the department.

In addition to the new design, officers will wear this patch on both shoulders to allow them to be readily identifiable as a Marshfield police officer from both sides. The flag patch, which had adorned the right shoulder, will be replaced with a flag pin on the right chest.