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Badges and Staches competition returns to encourage competition and donations

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 20:19 GMT by Fox 23
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Badges and Staches Competition Returns to Boost Local Competition and Fundraising Efforts

The quirky “Badges and Staches” competition has once again opened its doors, drawing a colorful mix of community members, law‑enforcement officers, and local business owners to a weekend of friendly rivalry and generous giving. Staged at the Jefferson Community Center on Saturday, July 6th, the event promises to be an unforgettable showcase of creativity, pride, and philanthropy, all while raising essential funds for the Jefferson Police & Fire Foundation.

A Tradition Revived

First introduced in 2014 as a light‑hearted fundraiser for the local police department, the Badges and Staches contest has evolved into a beloved annual tradition. The competition invites participants to display their best police or civilian badges—be it the shiny brass emblem of a police officer or the custom‑crafted insignia of a volunteer firefighter—paired with an equally impressive mustache (or “stache” as the event’s official slogan calls it). According to organizers, the combination of “badge pride and moustache flair” offers a unique platform for community solidarity and spirited play.

“We’re thrilled to bring this event back,” said Police Chief Karen Martinez, who has served Jefferson for over a decade. “It’s a chance for officers, firefighters, and community members to come together, celebrate our shared values, and raise money for the causes that keep our town safe.”

The Format: Creativity Meets Competition

The event is divided into three distinct categories: “Badge Showcase,” “Stache Showdown,” and “Best Combined Presentation.” Participants must submit photos and short bios of their badges and staches ahead of time for preliminary judging. On the day of the competition, judges—a panel of local business owners, a retired sheriff, and a community volunteer—evaluate entries based on authenticity, creativity, and presentation. In addition, attendees vote for their favorites via a live online poll, ensuring that the event remains interactive and community‑centric.

• Badge Showcase: Judges assess the craftsmanship, condition, and story behind each badge. Special prizes go to the “Most Historic” and “Most Artistic” badges.
• Stache Showdown: A playful assessment of style, length, and grooming technique. A “Golden Stache” trophy awaits the winner.
• Best Combined Presentation: Participants who pair a badge and stache must narrate a short, heartfelt story about what their emblem and moustache represent to them.

The winner of each category receives a custom engraved trophy, and all finalists earn a commemorative “Badges & Staches Champion” t‑shirt. The overall winner, chosen by a combined scoring of judges and public votes, is awarded a $500 donation to the winner’s chosen local charity.

Fundraising Success and Community Impact

Since its inception, the Badges and Staches competition has raised more than $120,000 for the Jefferson Police & Fire Foundation, which supports equipment purchases, community outreach programs, and scholarships for first‑year law‑enforcement officers. Last year’s proceeds were earmarked for the acquisition of a new fire‑truck seat belt system, a project that would otherwise have strained the department’s budget.

“This event is a perfect example of how community spirit can translate into real, tangible support,” said Sarah Jennings, the foundation’s development director. “The money raised not only improves safety but also strengthens the bond between our departments and the residents they serve.”

Community Participation and Sponsorship

The event draws participants from across the region, including local high‑school students who craft homemade badges as part of art projects, retirees who proudly display decades of service badges, and even a small contingent of local chefs who have embraced the stache trend for a limited‑time menu promotion. The “Badges and Staches” page on the Jefferson Police website offers a gallery of previous winners and a link to the donation platform, ensuring transparency in how funds are allocated.

A number of local businesses proudly sponsor the competition, with a headline sponsorship from Jefferson Hardware and a full‑page advertisement from the Jefferson Gazette. These sponsors contribute not only financial backing but also in‑kind donations—such as grooming kits for stache grooming, customized badge holders, and a $1,000 prize for the best overall entry.

The Community Center Experience

The Jefferson Community Center’s expansive indoor arena was transformed into a vibrant gallery of badges and staches. Colorful banners fluttered from the ceiling, and a “Vote‑Now” station was set up beside the stage to capture real‑time public opinion. Live music by the Jefferson Jazz Band kept the atmosphere upbeat, while a local bakery offered free pastries to keep attendees energized.

Attendees could also explore a “Badge History” exhibit, featuring a timeline of the Jefferson Police Department’s evolution. The exhibit included rare, vintage badges from the 1920s, a replica of the original badge issued in 1938, and a photo collage of officers who have served the community for over 30 years.

Looking Ahead

As the event draws to a close, organizers are already brainstorming improvements for next year. Chief Martinez hinted at an expanded “Stache Academy” for newcomers, where participants could learn stache grooming techniques from a professional barber. In addition, the foundation plans to launch a scholarship fund for children of volunteer firefighters, a move that will build on the competition’s legacy of community service.

“This year has been a resounding success,” Chief Martinez concluded. “We’ve seen community members of all ages and backgrounds come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and, most importantly, contribute to the safety and well‑being of Jefferson. We’re excited to see how the Badges and Staches competition will evolve and continue to strengthen our town.”

For those interested in attending or participating next year, the official “Badges and Staches” page on the Jefferson Police website provides a registration form, event schedule, and donation portal. The page also links to the Jefferson Gazette’s full coverage of last year’s competition, offering a deeper dive into the stories behind the winning badges and staches.

In the words of a longtime volunteer, “It’s not just a competition—it’s a celebration of who we are and the values we share.”