Since the days of the Gold Rush, ranching and farming have been key economic drivers in Lincoln, a city about 37 miles northeast of Sacramento, California. That heritage continues to shape the community’s character, which is why the Lincoln Police Department recently amended its uniform code to give officers the option of wearing cowboy hats.

The agency conferred with the Lincoln Police Officers Association to obtain members’ input and approval before adopting the new headgear. While the hats must be cattleman-crease style, Lincoln cops can choose a white straw version in the summer and a black felt design in the winter.

The new uniform option was unveiled just prior to Fourth of July, giving officers a chance to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in style.

“I wore one during the parade, and I cannot count how many people told me how much they loved seeing us in cowboy hats. It’s a great way to honor Lincoln’s history while also connecting with the community,” Captain Zach Eaton told the Sacramento Bee.

By all appearances, the Lincoln officers have embraced their inner cowboys, including donning the hats during a visit to a senior living community last month.