This will be the final article regarding the Newark Riots.
The pictures above are of the present day main entrance to the Roseville Armory. This location is where the New Jersey State Police assemble to assist in riot control.
The armory was also used to hold "overflow" prisoners. The number in custody strained the system for weeks after the riot was over.
The badge on the left was issued by the Essex County Sheriff who at the time ran the jail. This badge may have been used by officers at the "Newark Street Jail." It also may have preceded the riots. It is quite old and in excellent condition.
The Newark Fire Department badge pictured is part of my "Newark Collection." It was given to me by a Fireman who took it into retirement, and then became a probation officer. Little is said about the Newark Fire Department. and their role in 1967 riot. This is unfortunate as they were always in the pit, and they sure had their casualties.
The writer has no idea as to how many fires were reported. From what I have been told there were more than a few. Under normal conditions fighting a fire is no easy task, but with the disturbance in Newark it was even tougher. Rocks and bottles were thrown at responding firemen. Crowds hindered their response. They were even shot at.
The City of Newark in general, Police and Fire Departments in particular, needed help. The first group to assist was the New Jersey State Police, followed by the N.J. National Guard.
I searched the web for information on those "nasty" days back in 1967, and located a telegram sent by Major Eugene Olaff. He was the Operations Officer for the New Jersey State Police. It was his command that sent the Troopers to Newark. A "word for word copy" of his telegram is at the end of this article.
It took 40 years, and the "world wide web", to read what has been reported here. I never saw or heard of the "Olaff Telegram" before; but I was well aware of the "Troopers" presence in Newark. I recall a boarded up store on Avon ave. near So. 18th Street. There was spray painting, on the plywood covering the window openings, with the words: "These windows 'shot out' by State Police." Knowing the neighborhood it is assumed that, if true, there must have been good reason for this action.
The telegram makes for good reading. The Troopers certainly knew where they were headed, and were well equipped. Even the toll keepers were alerted, and instructed to "allow toll free use" on the Garden State Parkway. This document reveals the seriousness of Newark's situation in mid July 1967. Over 100 cars were deployed to Newark with 3 men to a car.
As the riot continued the N.J. National Guard was also ordered to assist the City gain control and restore order. They sent 3000 Guardsmen. After the 5th day the "riot" was "officially" considered over. Newark would never experience an event like this again. Of course the word "riot" has been replaced with new words - "Civil Disturbance."
Future articles may touch on "disturbances" in 1968; But for now this series will end. As it reaches its conclusion remember the names of: Detective Frederick Toto, and Fire Captain Michael Moran. They were both shot while on duty in this riot. Think of them as you read Major Olaff's order sending the N.J. State Police to Newark on July 14, 1967.
***************
N.J.S.P.
TO: COMMANDERS TROOPS “A,” “B,” and “C”
SECTION CHIEFS DIV HDQTRS
TROOPS “D” & “E” FOR YOUR INFO
YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED TO
ROUTE OF TRAVEL,
WHEN USING THE PARKWAY ADVISE
TURNPIKE WILL ALLOW TOLL
ALL TROOPS WILL BE FULLY EQUIPPED FOR RIOT CONTROL DUTY AND BE PROPERLY PREPARED TO STAY FOR AN INDETERMINATE PERIOD. TROOP EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TRAILER WILL ACCOMPANY THE CROWD CONTROL UNIT TO THE ARMORY.
ALL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT INCLUDING M-1 RIFLES –
ALL PASSES ARE HEREBY CANCELLED, INSTITUTE RECALL PROCEDURES IMMEDIATELY.
BY ORDER OF THE SURPERINTENDENT
E. OLAFF, MAJOR, OPERATIONS OFFICER
No comments:
Post a Comment