On the patch of the Cottonwood, Alabama, Department of Public Safety is a circle acknowledging police, fire, and EMS services that protect the town, established in 1903. The town’s namesake, the cottonwood tree, is featured. Also shown are the American flag, recognizing the patriotism of the community; a church, indicating the importance of religion among citizens; and a bear, representing the sports mascot of the local high school and signifying times past when bears roamed the area.

On the patch of the Cottonwood, Alabama, Department of Public Safety is a circle acknowledging police, fire, and EMS services that protect the town, established in 1903. The town’s namesake, the cottonwood tree, is featured. Also shown are the American flag, recognizing the patriotism of the community; a church, indicating the importance of religion among citizens; and a bear, representing the sports mascot of the local high school and signifying times past when bears roamed the area.