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This design is a proposal for a unique unit crest for those Worcester EMS paramedics and physicians that are assigned to the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council's Special Operations Team.

The crest's design contains numerous symbols that reflect the team's mission and origins:

• The colors, black, silver and gray, match the expected tactical, urban environment. The gold color of the motto and the team's name represents the quest for excellence, tactical and techinical proficiency in all assigned tasks.
• The "1-Asterisk" emblem associated with tactical teams, the asterisk itself is a modification of the EMS "Star of Life ®". (See the bottom of this page for the story behind the "1-Asterisk" logo.)
• The Shield and Sword represent the strength of the team and their mission to both protect us and take the offensive, based on the tactical situation.
• The Crossed Arrows at the top left of the shield represent the "Special Operations" designation of this unit.
• The motto at the top, "Audentis Fortuna Iuvat," is the final line from Virgil's Aeneid and translates to "Fortune Favors the Bold."

This crest is not currently authorized.

The "1-Asterisk" logo was developed by Gary Paul Johnston in 1987. Mr. Johnson, at that time, was a member of the Shaker Heights (Ohio) Police Department SWAT team. He says that the intent of the "1*" was to remind officers that they only have "one ass to risk."

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