Tuesday, February 28, 2012

MUNICIPALS - "D" IS FOR DUMONT

D is for DUMONT.  In alphabetical sequence this is the ninth badge in my Municipal Collection.


This badge is the old traditional design that I like so much. I have had it a good 20 years in one display or another.  It is a keeper.


The Borough of Dumont is in Northern N.J.  in the County of Bergen. This is a very nice area to reside. Roughly 17,000 people call it home. It took its' name from the first Mayor - Dumont Clarke.


The silver tone badge is simply marked: DUMONT POLICE. It also carries the number # 11 in an open number box. Stamped into the body of the badge is the N.J. State Seal.


The rear of the badge has a functioning pin and clasp.

This is another badge that I think looks good, and one that I am pleased to put on display.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

MUNICIPALS - "D" IS FOR DEPTFORD



"D" is for Deptford. This item represents the eighth distinct community in alphabetical order in my Municipal Collection.


This place is in South Jersey.  I must admit I have only heard about it. I knew it was in Gloucester County, but most of my conversations, with people living there, were regarding how I did not pronounce Gloucester correctly.  I still get it wrong.


I know now to refer to it as Exit 3 off the N.J. Turnpike. I used that exit a couple of times when visiting the metropolis of nearby Woodbury, which is the County Seat. During those job related trips to the Court House I never gave Deptford a thought.


Since acquiring this badge, from a collector in the Deep South who had different interests, I spent a moment to do a little research on Deptford. I was surprised to see that it is more then a dot on the map. It has about 30,000 people living there,  so I guess it too is a metropolis.


It seems this community has a decent size Police Department, but sad to say,  I could not verify the rank of  Deputy Chief.  That is the rank in the panel at the top of the badge in my display case. Maybe this rank has been eliminated. I really don't know.


The main section of this gold tone shield reads: Police,  Deptford Twp. While this item looks great I am somewhat concerned about its' legitimacy. It didn't cost much. The collector who sold it was reliable. So in the end I will be happy to display it, and let it remind me at least of Gloucester CountyNew Jersey, and  Turnpike Exit 3.