The Kansas Highway Patrol is vying against 43 other state police agencies in the 9th annual America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest. Kansas Highway Patrol photo.
If you’re used to seeing a state trooper’s cruiser from your rearview mirror, there’s another way to admire the beauty of a squad car.
It’s time once again for America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest. So far, 44 state police agencies have submitted snapshots of their favorite rides to the Florida-based American Association of State Troopers.
“It started out as a fun competition to get the public involved and supportive of law enforcement, state police vehicles, or state troopers around the country,” said John Bagnardi, a retired Florida trooper who now serves as the national fraternal organization's executive officer.
A Utah Highway Patrol cruiser squats atop the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Milky Way unfolding above it, in the agency's entry for the 9th annual America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest. Utah Highway Patrol photo.
The Iowa State Patrol’s entry features a gray and yellow cruiser parked in front of the statehouse in Des Moines, fireworks exploding overhead.
Georgia’s two cars sit next to the championship trophies of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, playing up the Peach State’s professional baseball and college football dominance.
The Utah Highway Patrol's cruiser squats atop the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Milky Way unfolding above it.
Once the public’s online votes are tabulated, the top 13 cruisers will be featured in the 2023 calendar.
For its entry in America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest, South Dakota's troopers went with Mount Rushmore in the background. South Dakota State Police photo.
Profits from the calendars go to the nonprofit, with funds earmarked for helping troopers and their families. That includes everything from disaster relief to college scholarships for their kids.
Bagnardi told Coffee or Die Magazine his group sent 21 checks to Kentucky State Police troopers affected by floods. Last year, 42 Louisiana State Police troopers got aid during hurricane season, too.
“We just think it's the right thing to do,” Bagnardi said. “And we've been in existence long enough where we've been able to be wise with our finances and be able to reach out and help officers and troopers in need.”
Cast your vote here. Voting ends at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Aug. 25.
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Noelle is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die through a fellowship from Military Veterans in Journalism. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and interned with the US Army Cadet Command. Noelle also worked as a civilian journalist covering several units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment on Fort Benning, before she joined the military as a public affairs specialist.
