Sixty-seven Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees who have served as Citizen-Soldiers in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) can be recognized by a specially designed decal on the side of their trooper cars and capitol police cars.

The DPS Citizen-Soldiers were honored at a ceremony commemorating the birth of this special honor at a ceremony held at the Criminal Justice Center in Montgomery on Oct. 20th.

Alabama Adjutant General Abner C. Blalock joined Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy at the event to recognize the DPS Citizen-Soldiers.

“The decals are a small token of our appreciation and a visible reminder of their distinguished status and of their service to the country,” said Murphy. “These men are true patriots and true heroes.”

The decals appear on the rear quarter panels of marked patrol cars and bear the “flying wheel” – a historic symbol of the Highway Patrol. The gold and blue patriotic emblem is marked with wording that distinguishes the holder as a combat veteran in the GWOT.

Riley praised the DPS for their remarkable participation in the armed forces sighting that 10% of the force has gone to fight the GWOT.

“These unique individuals wear two uniforms in both which they put their lives on the line,” Riley said. “And I want people in Alabama to understand how special these individuals are every time they see that decal.”

Blalock acknowledged the DPS as an important organization in the state of Alabama whose values mirror those of the Army and the Air Force. “Their employees are sworn to protect and serve the citizens of Alabama,” cited Blalock.

Both Riley and Blalock expressed their appreciation for these dual-hat heroes. “It takes a remarkable individual to step up and risk everything. To take time away from their homes to be a participant in the process that keeps us free, that allows us to do things we take for granted everyday,” said Riley.

Additional ceremonies will be held regionally to recognize employees throughout the state.