MyReporter: Why does the Wilmington Police Department patch include a beehive?

Connected to the city of Wilmington's seal, the Wilmington Police Department's patch contains an image of a beehive atop a dock, surrounded by marshland and water.

Here's a look at the history of the patch and what the symbols represent.

When was the patch created?

The patch was created in 1974, said Lt. Stephanie Boucher, WPD historian.

Two members of the department discussed changing the patch.

“When the other officers thought it was a good idea, they ... presented it to [the chief] and it was approved,” Boucher said.

The patch was first worn on Oct. 16, 1974, Boucher said.

“There was one patch before that,” Boucher said.

Why does the patch include a beehive?

The beehive on the dock is “a presentation of a busy port with workers that are alive with activity,” according to information on the Wilmington Police Department’s webpage.

The beehive "is used throughout the nation [by other police departments,]” Boucher said, adding that the image is likely a masonic symbol. Boucher said that the river and flowers included on the patch are more specific to the Wilmington area.

“The beehive usually represents community and everybody working together, so that’s kind of how I view it,” Boucher said. “Everybody plays a part no matter what their role is.”

The term ‘persevere’ references the connection between the department and the community, according to the WPD webpage.

As for why 1739 is included on the patch, it marks the year “when [Wilmington] became a town,” Boucher said.

Where is the patch used?

The patch is worn on uniforms of department officers. It is occasionally used to denote the WPD in other circumstances, Boucher said.

In October 2024, WPD officers will have toted the patch for 50 years, Boucher said.

The Wilmington Police Recreation Association will begin selling coins in January, which include images of the new and old department patches, to commemorate this anniversary.

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Why does the Wilmington Police Department patch include a beehive