POLICE HUMOR: HAVE A LAUGH

 

TRIPLETS: THREE NEWARK DIRECTOR BADGES

A few weeks ago I displayed my newest Newark Badge. It was a Directors Shield with five "Blue Stars." I was thrilled to have this Badge and related how it was 50 years of age plus or minus. I let everyone know that this Badge was created by H. Buchlien & Son in Newark. They were artists' with their work.

What I did not mention in the earlier Post was that this Badge was my "third" Director's shield. Getting one only took 45 years. Now with 60 years collecting I have "three." 

The newest badge does not have the "Blue Stars." It was made by Blackington Co. Other then the Stars, these badges are triplets by rank. 

I took the above picture thinking that this would make a great display, but I am still thinking about what I want to do. I'll post another story about these badges down the road. For now I hope you enjoy the picture.

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: ATLANTIC COUNTY

 

As reported in an earlier Post, I have been collecting Badges from the Old County Probation Departments (in N.J). A substantial majority of these items came into my possession during this millennium. While I have had good luck finding them, I still do not have all 21 County Departments.

When the State assumed the financial cost of the State Judiciary in 1994,  County Judges became NJ Superior Court Judges. All their "County" functions also became State functions. So as of that date there were no more "County" Probation Officers, and their badges became obsolete. That has been their status for the last 30 years.

I started this Collection a little ahead of the State Takeover, and have obtained a nice group; but there is always a couple that are needed to make the set complete. If anyone has one of these old badges contact me for sale or trade. I have a few doubles.

That nice silver tone Badge above is from ATLANTIC COUNTY. It is Number 1 alphabetically in my display. For its age it is in great condition. 

Based on the State Seal at the center of this badge I make the judgement that it was made mid to late 1950's if not earlier. Pin and clasp are in working order. Letters are black enamel fill.

This Badge is a reminder of the great years under county rule. Each department had its own identity, and unique ways of doing their job. But the bill to county tax payers drove the movement for consolidation. The power base moved to Trenton (State Capital), with the local Chiefs now reporting to Court Administrators, who in turn got their marching orders from the "Administrative Office of the Courts" at the State Capital.

The Badges in the display case are my full collection, and the Atlantic Badge is first. I have had it well over 30 years. It was a gift from a friend who, sadly is no longer with us. 

I keep this Collection in a nice Oak and Glass display case. It catches my eye every day, and flashes me a fine memory or two.  I'll post another Badge in a month or so.

WALKING STICK - NEWARK P.D.

 

 

Remember the movie "Walking Tall?" The Sheriff was a guy named Buford H. Pusser. He was best known for carrying a "big stick." The man served as a Police Officer and Sheriff. He became a one man crusade against crime. 

During his tour of duty Pusser became a folk hero. He was definitely a macho guy, who knew how to use his legendary wooden club. Armed with his Walking Stick Buford became a legendary salesman for Law and Order. 

 In 1964 Pusser (at 26) became the youngest person elected Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee. He got a fine looking badge with his name on the top panel. With this title he relentlessly attacked the mob in West Tennessee. 

The Sheriff's stick was more like a small tree. In the movie he carried it to encourage the wayward to walk a lawful path. For his efforts he was shot eight times. If that wasn't enough to seek early retirement he was also stabbed seven times. Guess some people didn't like him.

Bullets and Knives could not kill this guy. Like a man on a mission Bufford Pusser just kept coming at the bad guys. Unfortunately he saw his wife (1967) become the victim of an assassin's bullet that was intended for him. Seven years later a car "accident" finally claimed his life.  

The "walking stick" pictured above is nothing like the one used by Sheriff Pusser in the 1960's. It is smaller. It is older. It is a work of art. This "Walking Stick" was finely crafted from Irish Bog Wood well over a hundred years ago. 

Once cut it was shaped and sized to be part of the policeman's accessories. These Irish Sticks were routinely made for relatives who traveled across the"pond" to find work in the U.S. Many became police officers.  

Wherever there were a large number Irish on a police force one would always find pieces of "equipment" that was made in Ireland. The above pictured walking stick is believed to have made its' way to the Newark Police Department in N.J. There it was used by officers' with rank. 

The original owner of this beautiful stick could easily have been a Brennan, a Donaghy, a Lynch, or an O'Neill. They were all part of the old N.P.D. 

At first glance one may not think too much of this black piece of wood. Careful examination shows it to be a wonderful antique, and a fine piece of police memorabilia. 

The engravings, I am told, have unique meaning. There is a "Shamrock" seems to  offers luck, and well being. There is also a "Harp" that is finely carved near the handle. One can only sense the message it is sending. 

Regardless of the messages, I am sure this "Walking Stick" holds many fine memories, and I am glad to have them in my collection. 

SCAMMERS LIST UPDATED

The Names below created by a Scammer! Beware of them.  Be Sure that the person you are dealing with Is a Real Person, and a Legitimate Dealer.

(Please Report any errors so an appropriate correction can be made.) 

This is: Vol. 2  (2025).   

Updated on:  JUNE 30, 2025

21	ANGELOVE	Michael	Paid but No Delivery
	DETWILLER	Chris	Didn't Deliver after payment
	FALCO	Charline	Failed Member Questions
	HAMMOCK	Vernon	Forged Badges (Fl)
	HARRIS	Michael	Failed to ship badge
	JOHNSON	Williams	Questionable Pictures
	LUCAS	Damien	Weak on References,
	MARCUS	Greg	Failed to Pay Winning Bid
	MOBUTO	Adam	Nigerian Scammer
	PRICE	Jonathan	Linked to C.Falco + Profile
	PRICE	Ramos	Identity Questions
	ROBINSON	Judith	Identity Questions
	ROY	Steven	aka Eric Svenske
	SVENSK	Eric	Profile & Response Issues
	Syda	Sani	Profile
	VAN BUREN	Chris	Pictures appear copied
	YORK	Keisha	Pictures appear copied
	ZABOLTNNY	Eduard	Has profile Issues
40

THE HUNT CONTINUES

That's Zachary. He is my Grandson, and in the Coast Guard. I have repeatedly told him to always be looking for badges for me. Usually I get lip service that he has been asking around. Now he says he is going to make a serious hunt for me and sent me this picture to verify his efforts. I appreciate him and the effort. God Bless Him!

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: CAPE MAY COUNTY

Since I was a Probation Officer for 33 years it was only fitting that I collect Badges from the 21 different Departments in New Jersey. Each County had its' own Department up to 1994. At that time the State Judiciary took control of these Departments creating a single Agency.

The Badges that I have in the pictured are "defunct." They were issued in the 1960's and a couple even earlier. All lost their "County" identity and authority 30 years ago.

All of these "County" Badges were gifted to me over the years. The last one that I obtained is this beautiful badge from Cape May County Probation Dept. 

It is Number 3 alphabetically in my display (I'll get to #1, 2 and so on over next few months). I believe it was made prior to 1960 based upon the coloring on the State Seal. It is quite old.

I am very happy to have this new item in my Collection. It filled a need. Certainly I would love more. Feel free to contact me if you have a Probation Officer Badge from NJ for Sale or Trade. Donations are appreciated also.