BADGE COLLECTOR
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: ESSEX COUNTY
Thursday, October 16, 2025
ROOKIE DIES SHORTLY BEFORE GRADUATING POLICE ACADEMY
By Dennis Beyer
This is a re-post of an article previously written and published on different dates. I have decided to make an effort to post the story each year on the anniversary date of this tragic event. The original story follows below
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As I look at my collection of badges a couple of sad memories entered my mind. I'll address one in this post, and the others "down the road.".
I graduated West Side H.S. in 1961. That was the year Roger Maris hit 61, and "The Mick" hit 54. I still remember those guys even though I am a Dodger fan.
Yeah, High School was over in June of 1961. The Summer, for the most part, was the last time a lot of us ever saw each other. We played a lot of baseball up at Ivy Hill Park. When September came it was off to college for me. The future looked bright.
A guy who graduated in my class was a fellow named John Gutenkunst. We lived in different neighborhoods, we had different friends, and we never hung out together. He too had a bright future, and he was just beginning his career with the Newark Police Department.
Four years later I graduated college. It was 1965. I got a job as a Probation Officer in Essex County, partly because my Dad knew Chief Mulligan, but that's another story. Now, four years after graduating high school, I had lost track of just about everyone I knew from "The Burg," "West Side," and "Ivy Hill Park." That included John, who was an exceptional baseball player.
In October I heard John's name again. It was Oct. 16, 1965. He was a Rookie Officer in the Newark Police Academy. He was looking forward to graduating, enjoying the weekend, then getting his badge on Monday Morning. It never happened.
While I wasn't especially close to John this event is something I still remember. It haunts me.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
"CIVILIAN POLICE"
I recently obtained the pictured "Civilian Police" shield. It is from Newark, NJ and looks identical to Newark's "Specials". Does anyone know some history about the badge I pictured below. I'd like to hear it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
NEWARK POLICE: HISTORY OF PRECINCT'S AND THEIR LOCATIONS
JOE SAPIENZA prepared this history of each Newark Police Precinct and their Station Houses. He has compiled the exact dates and locations for each station house.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
DIRECTOR BADGES TOP OFF RANK SETS
Earlier this year I obtained my third Newark Director Badge. I posted a single picture of it a few weeks ago. I was quite proud of that Badge and informed everyone about the "Blue Stars." This was the work of H Buchlien & Co who had the commission to make this badge.
Following that original Post I presented the newest addition along with two other Newark Directors that I have had for decades. I had a thought of making a display of just the three Director Badges, but I ultimately thought putting them with the other rank badges, as pictured above, makes the best sense.
Above you will see two Director Badges, with the Blue Stars, to the Right of the top row. On the bottom row, also to the Right, is the current version of the Director Badge. It is without Blue Stars.
What is most important, as one looks at the Director Badges is to realize that the two rows are Rank Sets. That represents a lifetime collecting and obtaining this fine grouping.
There are perhaps 40-50 years between some of these badges of the same rank. Of course some are much newer. It is the fact that they are a two fine sets that makes me mighty proud.
It goes without saying that these badges are in a wood and glass display that is LOCKED. The case hangs in my Den where, without fail, I view it every day.
STREET INSPECTOR, NEWARK
This is one of my "Non Police Newark Badges." It dates back to 1930's or earlier. I like the design, with the City Seal at top of badge under a Reverse Blue Lettered panel. In the middle of the badge is a bold panel with the word: INSPECTOR. Since this is from the "Dept Of Streets" I can only imagine the job duties.. It stands 2.25" tall and as the picture shows is still in good condition. Glad to have it in my collection of Newark items.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
911 - A DAY TO REMEMBER
911 is a Date we shall never forget. There will be many tributes to those who died in NYC on the Day the World Trade Center's Twin Towers came down as a result of a terror attack.
From my Badge Collection the item below serves as my tribute: