COAT OF ARMS

As with the State of Missouri coat of arms, the Howell County Sheriff’s Office coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon also known as a shield. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full unified heraldic.  Heraldic designs came into general use among European nobility in the 12th century.  The Howell County Sheriff’s Office coat of arms can be broken down into 12 symbolic meanings denoting the 12th century when the coat of arms came into existence.  The seven point stars noted above the knight’s helmet are a symbol of when the County of Howell was first organized in the 19th Century on March 2, 1857.  The gold knight’s helmet in itself can be traced back to the 14th century and denotes specific meaning as in the helmet visor being closed and slightly canted symbolizes an esquire and gentlemen, while it being made of gold alludes to prosperity, achievement and honor, as noted in the flag finials, escutcheon and scroll.  The United States Flag denotes allegiance to the core beliefs of this country that have unified our efforts in a better quality of life from its first conception on July 4, 1776.

The Missouri State Flag further symbolizes the unified core beliefs of this great state and the intrinsic motivation noted on August 10, 1821 when Missouri became the 24th state in the union in order to pursue a better quality of life.  The American black bear to the left and right of the escutcheon is one of the largest mammals in Missouri and symbolizes a protector with courage and black symbolizing knowledge and jurisprudence, physical strength and leadership.  The escutcheon encompasses each major city within the County of Howell from left to right: Bears of Willow Springs, Zizzer Lighting Bolts of West Plains, the Liberty Eagles of Mountain View and the hand-held torch denotes the unified county as being the standard bearers in providing light while navigating the future with a fair and impartial approach to community.  The year of the county 1857, is superimposed on the colors of black and gold defining the bedrock of the county.  The oak leafs on the scroll from left to right denote the prominent tree in Missouri, which symbolizes unwavering strength, morale, resistance and knowledge.  Lastly, the words “Leading By Example” is more than just a phrase, the County of Howell strives to lead by example in being forever productive and forever beautiful for future generations.