DENVER (KDVR) — In June 2024, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office made a big change to its uniform, allowing deputies to wear cowboy hats while on duty for the first time since the late 70s and early 80s.

A year later, that policy has now been revised after deputies realized that a black wool Stetson is not ideal for Colorado's summer heat. So, after giving the "thumbs up" on the classic hats last year, Sheriff Tyler Brown gave another "thumbs up" to deputies using straw cowboy hats.

"I love wearing a cowboy hat, but those black felt hats are hot in the summer, and we needed straw hats," said Arapahoe County deputy Devon Lance. "So I wrote a memo and proposed it to the Sheriff, and he approved it. They're affordable, much cooler, and they fit with our Colorado heritage."

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said that many Arapahoe County residents respond positively to the new uniform addition.

"I get compliments all the time, especially when I'm on foot patrol," Lance said. "They say, 'Nice hat, nice hat.' So I tip my hat and say thank you. It’s always a positive reaction."

Brown says the cowboy hats are multipurpose: A visual embrace of the county's agricultural history and current landscape and instilling a sense of pride in deputies.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is not alone in allowing sworn law enforcement to wear cowboy hats: The Boulder County Sheriff's Office does as well, as does the University of Colorado's police department.

For Arapahoe County deputies, the hat is voluntary, and deputies must purchase their own. A plain straw cowboy hat from many retailers, including Boot Barn, Bass Pro Shops and Amazon, is for sale for under $50.