NEW WEB SITE FOR COLLECTORS

PC News announced in their recent addition that two long time collectors have created a site to help those interested in Law Enforcement Memorabilia. The site is owned by James Bolander and Chris Spurling.

Badges may be listed in several categories for auction to follow collectors. Starting the first of the year there will be a two dollar fee to list each item, however there are no additional fees or commissions.

This site is sure to be a favorite. Its' address is: http://www.badgeswap.com

CITY COLLECTION: STUCK IN THE "ORANGE" GROVE WITH SOUTH & WEST ORANGE MEMORIES

The communities of South Orange and West Orange are not Cities. They, however, border the two "Oranges" that are Cities so, it is appropriate to write about them while covering my "City Collection."

In New Jersey all the Oranges are linked, and since I have badges from each municipality, it makes further sense to cover them.

These badges bring forth some nice, but unrelated, memories regarding this town of 15,000. Actually South Orange was incorporated as a Village in 1861. I am told that my Great Uncle (Fred Helmlinger) was Chief of Police there. I haven't verified that. I sure don't have his badge, but I am looking for it.

The Village is probably best known as the home of Seton Hall University. Many if its' students have made my acquaintance. The basketball team, however, has put the school, and Village, on the national map. And YES the University has its' own police department. Naturally I have one of their old badges, but not enough room to picture with this article.

In the late 1980's I was working as a probation officer in charge of the electronic monitoring system or house arrest program. We were quite successful with this operation. Out of the blue The Prime Time News Show contacted us. They wanted to do a segment of their TV show featuring our officers on the job - "live." I gave this a lot of thought, before immediately saying "OK."

This was a great opportunity for officers. We placed a TV crew at the home of a real bad criminal (driving on suspended list)who was under house arrest supervision. We also had a TV crew at our office. I was to do a manual call to the "bad guy's" house, and simultaneously have dialog with Hugh Downs and Diane Sawyer.

Just before "show time" my guys rushed into the "monitoring office" to place a huge banner on the wall. It read SETON HALL. Even the TV guys had an interest in the National Championship Game. Everything seemed good. We were ready, and so was "The Hall."

Midway through the TV show, during a commercial break, Hugh Downs called me. He gave me the bad news: They had to cancel our portion of the show as they ran over the time limit in earlier segment. At least I got to talk to Hugh and suggested he arrange time for me to demonstrate an ankle device on Diane Sawyer's leg. He thought that might be interesting, but never called back.

The night went further downhill from that point. Seton Hall lost to Michigan, by one point, 80-79. Now, twenty years later, these moments are more of the fond memories i have that are associated with my badge collection.

There are six badges from South Orange in my collection. The are all fairly old. As the pictures reveal there is: a traditional shape chrome plated "Special Officer" badge with the number 11 in the lower panel. This one is in the best shape of those that I have. Next are Lieutenant and Captain Badges. They are in average condition, with the Captain's Badge being newer. It has a multi-color seal that was added to an old style shield. Following these two are wallet shields marked "Patrolman" and "Chief." The last is from the Police Reserve and is also marked "Chief." Neither of the Chief' badges belonged to my Great Uncle, but I sure wish one did.

Next to South Orange is the larger Town of West Orange. I had relatives all over that place, but the closest I ever got to a police connection is my wife's Grandmother. She lived in a two family house and the "boy" on the second floor became a cop in West Orange. Now his badge is in excellent condition, but the picture of it will have to wait. It too adds to a great collection of memories.

CITY COLLECTION: O FOR ANOTHER ORANGE

"ORANGE" is the name of another City in NJ. I have a couple of badges from this City, but no recollection as to how I got so lucky to get them. I hope the memory loss is not a sign of the onset of Alzheimer's

I do remember the City of Orange quite well. The City is the size of a postage stamp, and is cut in half by Interstate 280. I'd like to say that this community is a quiet suburban town, but that would be a huge stretch of the imagination.

This City was a fun town: They had a bar on almost every corner. At one time Rheingold Brewery was located there - right next to the Interstate. The beer was decent, but the Miss Rheingold Contest's were great. Those are pleasant memories.

I guess it was a good 40 years ago that I visited some night spots in Orange. One joint was said to be frequented by "Two Ton" Tony Galento. He was a boxer and a colorful guy. In the 1940's, into the 50's, he owned a bar in this City. Later he was a bar tender and a community hero. He was still a legend in the 60's when I was just learning about "whiskey and women."

Galento fought Joe Louis, and boasted before the fight that: "I'll moider da bum." He became pretty famous for that line. He also became a legend for knocking Louis off his feet. Despite that famous knockdown, Galento lost the fight.

As a boxer he had a style that has been reported to make "Mike Tyson look like Lord of the Princes." Tony Galento could have been the SWAT Team if he were a Cop. That brings me back to the badges from Orange in my City Collection.

Looking in the case where the majority of my "City Collection" is housed, there is an old traditional style "Officer's Badge" from Orange, N.J. It is in excellent condition, and carries the number 80 in the lower panel. The top panels are marked: "City of Orange" followed by "Police." I also have a Lieutenant's badge that is a real relic. This one is in pretty good condition. The paint in the letters is somewhat worn. The State Seal was placed in the center of the badge prior to plating. The overall finish is still very good.

As noted above I don't recall how I obtained this badge. I am very happy to have it, along with some good memories relating to this City. I am also glad that I no longer think I am in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

CITY COLLECTION: E IS FOR EAST ORANGE

E IS FOR EAST ORANGE. It sounds like it should be an orange grove in my Naples, Fl. backyard.

It isn't an orange grove, and it isn't in my backyard! This is a Major City in New Jersey, and one of the twenty City badges in the collection pictured above. Old number 50 is number four in the top row.

Back to Oranges - The City of East Orange is one of four municipalities, all in Essex County, bordering on each other and having "Orange" in its' name. Two, Orange and East Orange, are Cities. My birth certificate says I was born in E.O. at the General Hospital some 100 years ago - maybe a little less. I guess that makes me a native son.

A number of my relatives were born and raised in this City. One worked in the Tax Collectors Office. The other was cop. His name was Sam. He was a jovial guy who loved his job. It was said that, even after he retired he walked his beat. At least he did at Christmas time. That's dedication. I wish I had his old badge, but it's M.I.A.

This City has a population of just under 70,000. It is know as the "Cross Roads of New Jersey." It had that name long before the Garden State Parkway crossed Interstate 280. The County probation department, where I worked, had an office in this area (9th and Grove).

Thinking about that area I recall one of the officers, who worked for me, in that old office. He was an Italian kid. I called him Geronimo because he had a bow and arrow in his vehicle. One midnight he decided to test his skill by shooting arrows into an abandoned apartment building across the street from our office. I think he was sending a message, but I never got his point. Today that incident is just a great memory.

I have a couple of nice badges from this City. One is an officer's shield and the second is a detectives badge. I have had them a good 40 years, and they were old when I got them.

The Officer's badge is a real nice traditional shape item. It is nickle plated and in good condition for its' age. It simply reads: "East Orange - Police." In the center are the applied numbers 50. These numbers may not have been the originals. There is discoloration on them and also on the badge around them.

The second badge is housed in an other display I have. It is the same shape as the New York Captain's shield. This one is in very good condition. It is gold finish with blue letters spelling out: East Orange, Police, Detective. In the center is the N.J. State Seal in a circle of blue.

Both of these items have a fine home under glass in my home. When I see them they always bring back some very special memories of relatives and that kid I called Geronimo.

CITY COLLECTION: B is for BAYONNE

B IS FOR BAYONNE. In my collection of "City Badges," Bayonne is the third badge hanging under glass on my wall. I have Twenty "City" shields in my display including, eight of the top ten.

The City is home to approximately 60,000 people. It is located on both New York Bay and Newark Bay. That may sound inviting, but this is definitely not a "Shore" destination. Don't rush to book a room for a visit. If you do get one with a view of the Bayonne Bridge, taking traffic over the famous Kill Van Kull Waters, leading to beautiful Staten Island, N.Y. The bridge is lit up, at night in Red, White and Blue as a 9-11 memorial.

This is the City that Tommy Lee Jones proclaimed: "aliens had taken over." I guess they didn't have GPS. The Ninja's called the place the "Slime Capital of the World." I am just glad they have a great Police Department.

A friend, who served on the Bayonne Police force, lived under the bridge. He had a daily view of Staten Island. The guy was built like a linebacker, rode motorcycles, and thought like Arnie Schwartzneger. Over the years he was nagged to get me a badge for my collection. Failure must have been his middle name.

Some where in the late 1980's I did get a Bayonne Badge, but not from the friend on the force. The picture does it no justice. It is an old "Sunburst" design with reverse blue lettering. It reads: Bayonne City Police - Lieutenant.

In the center of this badge is the NJ State Seal. The seal is gold finished on a blue circle. It looks a little larger then usual, but is a fine looking piece.

I used this addition to my collection as a means to further nag my buddy to find something else for me. It took a while but the other badges featured here eventually made it to my wall. One is from Bayonne Civil Defense. The other is said to be from the Navy's Military Ocean Terminal. That was the site where Robert DeNiro made the film: "Men of Honor."

The Seal on the badge is multi color and in pristine condition. It is Red lettering (CD) in a White triangle over a Blue circle. The badge is New York styled and reads: Auxiliary Police, Bayonne, NJ # 244. The item is in excellent condition. It joins a couple of other Civil Defense Badges that I have.

On the "Navy" badge the seal is an eagle carrying an anchor. It is marked N.Y.N.S. and that is believed to be short for New York Naval Station. The item is pretty well beat up and somewhat of a mystery. The belief is it is from the World War Two era, and that it has roots in the Bayonne Navy Yard. The Navy Yard in Brooklyn is also a possibility, ,but I prefer to think this item comes from N.J. The area is now a cruise port. Things do change.

All three of these badges bring back some good memories. Bayonne isn't a bad place at all. I am glad to have these badges as reminders of that community.

CITY COLLECTION: A FOR ATLANTIC CITY

A IS FOR ATLANTIC CITY. When I see this "Atlantic City Badge" it brings back memories of the New Jersey Shore. The first thought that comes to mind is the "Steel Pier." This was a national treasure, and a major attraction. It was built in 1898. My memory doesn't go back quite that far, but there are some things that I do recall from the fabulous 50's.

I remember a couple of trips to Atlantic City. It was for some special reason. Whatever it was I can't retrieve it, but I do know how thrilled I was just to go on the Boardwalk. To actually go on the Steel Pier, and then see the famous horse dive from a tower into the water was certainly a memory maker. The horse and rider always survived the jump of thirty-five feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The water was a lot cleaner then.

Once I took a ride in a Diving Bell located on the Pier as an amusement feature for daring visitors. I am not sure if it went down 20 feet or 200 feet as the visibility wasn't that good. It is, however, very clear in my mind that there were instructions to "hold on" when the thing surfaced. It came up rather quickly, and naturally I didn't listen. I learned - Follow instructions!

The pier was also home to a large theater. I understand it was the location of the Miss America Pageant. That was in the late 1930's, which was also before my time. Some major talent performed there. Frank Sinatra, a Real Home Grown Jersey Boy, played there. So did Paul Anka. I saw a star named George Hamilton IV. He sang "A Rose and a Baby Ruth." That should give one an idea of my age. I am just glad to remember these things.

There was a fire in the late 60's that destroyed a major section of the Steel Pier. That fire also marked the end of my memories associated with Atlantic City. The Pier did continue to function. It was just different after the fire.

In the 80's I again got to spent some official time in A.C. The Boardwalk was different. It was now home to many Casino's. I managed to stay in some such as Playboy, Sands, and Bally's. I also stayed in some of the Casino's owned by Donald Trump. It seems like he owned everything. I think he even owns the Steel Pier today.

During my official visits to A.C. I always had the thought of adding a badge or two to my collection from this City. I only got one. It came from a major Hotel, but that is a different memory. It took until the mid 90's before scoring the above Captain's badge. A fellow collector actually picked it up for me at a N.J. Show. I am so happy his focus is patches.

The man did a great job getting the "Captain's" shield as well as another from a city up the coast. This Atlantic City badge is number two alphabetically in my "City" collection. I have a total of twenty-one New Jersey cities represented.

The above picture does not do this badge justice. It is in excellent condition. In the center is a State Seal in multi color. It is surrounded by raised panels with reverse lettering on blue panels. It certainly is a very nice item to have in the display on my wall.

Shortly after obtaining the A.C. badge I was able to obtain another item from this City. It was not a police badge or pin, but one issued for the railroad. This item is in good condition, however I am missing its' history. It is shown for your enjoyment.

For years the badge and train pin were the only items I had from New Jersey's Casino Town. A few weeks ago the above patches made their way into my den. They were gifts from an officer with a hideout just north of my home in the Everglades. He knew of my special interest in another City in the Garden State. and gave me a badge (that will be another story), and two patches from an area he treasures. Both patches are pictured with this story. The day he gave me these items we confabulated (look it up) like we were long lost friends. Hopefully we will continue this friendship, and share many more memories.

COLD CASE FLAW

A while ago I noted a costume flaw when Lil was shown, in a flash back to her rookie days, wearing the blue uniform - with a New Jersey hat badge. Several weeks later I noticed the Philly PD officers were all using the same hat badge. I wonder who is the supplier for Cold Case uniforms. I like the NJ stuff, but really some more realism is needed. I will still watch the show and certainly keep a very close eye on Lil. I'll even watch those uniform HATS !!!

CITY COLLECTION: A FOR ASBURY PARK

A IS FOR ASBURY PARK. I once got to see the Newark Police Band participate in a parade at the Jersey Shore. It was in the City of Asbury Park.

Asbury has been called home by many famous people including Bud Abbott and Danny DeVito. The town is best known for its' wonderful boardwalk. It is world famous.

In 1934 Asbury Park's beaches made world news. It was on September 8Th that a luxury liner exploded off shore. One hundred thirty seven people died that day. At the time this was the largest, peace time, marine tragedy.

In September of this year the City of Asbury Park will mark the 75th anniversary of the S.S. Morro Castle beaching on its shoreline. The burning luxury liner attracted thousands of people looking for a memory.

I recall my father showing me a huge picture he took of the wrecked ocean liner. The picture is lost, but not my memory of it. The print was something like 10" x 18", and you had to roll it out on a table just to see the entire thing.

The above picture was found on line when researching this story. There are also some excellent photos of this tragedy which may be viewed on line at: www.asburyparklibrary.org/morrocastle/gallery

As a kid I recall staying overnight near, but not in, the famed Berkley Hotel. I enjoyed the thrill of walking 'the boards' and running on the beach looking at the ocean. The reason for one trip, in particular, to Asbury Park was to see my Dad, and the Newark Police Band. The group marched in a parade hosted by The City Of Asbury Park.

There are no pictures of that day, but I do have two that relate to the Newark Police Band. The first was from 1934. In this one my father is in the second Row, extreme left. The other picture was taken in the 1950's. My Dad is in the center of the three officers. It is his Police Band Badge also pictured with this article.

I liked parades back then. I liked seeing soldiers, tanks and fire engines roll down the street. I was thrilled to hear the bass drum give that sound that signaled that the N.P.D. Band was approaching and ready to play. The music was usually something by John Phillip Sousa. Regardless of the musical selection the presentation electrified the crowd. I can still hear it.

As they approached my eyes were surprised to see that the Drum Major, a giant of a man named "Cookie," was not in his usual position in front of the marching officers. Leading the band in this parade was a Drum Majorette! She was twirling a baton, and threw that thing a mile into the air. She then caught it without missing a step. This was a performance that made the crowd clap their hands and yell with approval.

These thoughts were dormant for many years until one day I found the pictured Asbury Park Badge for sale at a Badge Show in Coconut Creek, Fl. It's an older style badge that I have placed with badges from "Cities" in N.J.

There are twenty other "City" badges in that collection. This one is the first in alphabetical order. More important it is the daily reminder of some fine memories.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: "E" IS FOR ESSEX

In the alphabetical presentations of New Jersey Probation Officer Badges the first two County Departments, Atlantic and Camden County, have been presented in earlier stories.

The next letter in the display is "E." That is "E" as in Essex County.

Essex is the largest county in terms of population. At times it could feel like a million people are on the streets, in the stores, at the airport, or by the port. At times it could also feel like half the population was involved some way with the probation department. Fortunately that was just a feeling.

The first probation officer badge that made it into the hands of this collector is a real old timer. It once belonged to a man named Mulligan. He owned this badge in the 1950's prior to becoming Chief of the department.

The seal on this badge is the County Seal. When the State "took over" the twenty-one County Departments the State Seal became the official center piece. When that happened the appearance of those multi colored seals put the new badges in the "big leagues." At least that was the thought.

The County Seal is plated with the same finish on the badge. When H Buchlien & Son made this particular badge that was how they did the job. Multi color seals were not even on the drawing board, which gives one an idea of the age of this item. I estimate it to be 70 years old. The Seal is just a big cuddly old lion standing up with its' two front legs looking to whack someone. If one did not know this Lion belonged to Essex County they would only have to read the name printed on the outside of the circular County Seal.

As the picture reveals this is a gold finish badge with an eagle on top. It is simply lettered: "Probation Officer, Essex County, #14." Despite the age there is hardly any wear, making its' condition excellent. This is a one of a kind, and one that always brings back some great memories.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: CAMDEN CONTRIBUTION TO PROBATION COLLECTION

I started my career in the Essex County Probation Department in N.J. One of the guys' I met there was an ex-cop from the City of East Orange. I had family that worked for that police department, and they all knew the man who was designated to take charge of the unit where I worked. Sounded to me like a good connection was about to be established.

Things change quickly in this world. Before my departments assignments were implemented in 1967 the guy announced he was leaving immediately to become Chief Probation Officer in "beautiful" Camden County, NJ.

The years went by and I became involved with the annual officers conference. In 1982 I was working on the first multiple day convention. Also working on the Planning Committee was the Chief of Camden County. That was for several reasons. One of those reasons was that the convention was to be in Camden County at the Cherry Hill Inn.

I made it my business to let the Chief know I was now into badge collecting. I think I used every card I could play including crying and nagging with the hope of eventually getting a badge.

It took about a couple of years and, when he was ready to retire I finally got it. It was his badge, and it came right from his wallet. That became the first contribution from this county. I now have a few in my collection.

Camden Badges are the second grouping of badges, alphabetically displayed, in my State Probation Collection. Thirteen "Counties" are represented out of the twenty-one counties in N.J.

As the pictures show these fine items are finished in silver and gold tone, and have multi colored N.J. seals. They are in mighty fine condition, and I believe made in the 1970's.

In addition to the great appearance these badges have, there are also some fine memories associated with them.

UNIFORM "FLAW" IN TV'S COLD CASE

Does anybody watch TV'S "Cold Case?" Well I will always have a memory of this years' season finale.

It was part two of a story involving the death of a young female cadet in a military school. The males students didn't want the young lady in their school. The staff wasn't too happy with her being there either. Eventually she is murdered, stuffed in a locker and buried for a couple of years. When the body is eventually found, years later, the Cold Case guys (and Detective Lil) get going.

Lil has to confront memories of her past as she digs to solve the crime. As she has flashbacks she is seen as a young Philadelphia Officer in dress blue, with a nice hat. I rewound the DVR a couple of times to scope out the Philly hat badge. It was not there. The badge on the hat was from New Jersey.

The badges above are from Philadelphia, and New Jersey. They are clearly different, and there is no mistaking the old Jersey Plow Horse on the top. Personally I like the Jersey badge better.

Should I just call Lil and tell her of the mistake in wardrobe?

THE NEWARK ROOM

That cute model is not a member of the Newark Police Department. She's my granddaughter, and I made her model this fine baseball cap with the old Newark triangle patch. The hat is now on display next to a picture of my models' great grandfather. He too was with N.P.D.

The hat was recently given to me by a guy named "Moonie." He is also a collector of Newark memorabilia. The only difference between his collection and mine is, that his takes up an entire room in his home, plus the basement, and the garage. My collection is in a 12 x 18 inch case.

Our relationship started when Moonie contacted me following a story I wrote regarding the old "Dreamland Roller Skating Arena" on Freylinghuysen Ave. in Newark. The land where this world class arena once stood eventually became a Senior Citizen Center. With that article I showed a badge that was made for the security officer that once patrolled the grounds.

After reading the story my fellow collector wrote to me. He indicated a concern about his handwriting, but did not hesitate to let me know, from reading the Dreamland story, that he concluded: "It's apparent that I am older than you, as I not only remember it, but spent a lot of time there as a 12 or 13 year old kid." He further let me know that he had the pleasure of responding as a Newark Police Officer to this location on many occasions.

Mooney, who wore badge number 1588, described himself as "A very big Newark Badge Collector." The man said, "I have every Newark Police badge ever worn from the first to the present." The present issue was introduced in 1914. One can only guess where "number one" hangs today, along with hundreds of other vintage badges.

Despite having every badge Moonie admitted he "never seen or heard" of this badge,
and that my story "made (his) day as (he) thought he had seen them all." Of course he expressed an interest in it, if I should ever decide to part with it.

At the time I had no interest in letting this badge out of sight. I did however have an interest in having dialog with this guy from Newark. From that point forward we traded many emails, shared memories, and became friends even though we never met.

The long distance relationship was designed to end right from the beginning as I was quickly invited to see what I consider to be the "Real N.P.D. Collection." It took a little time, but finally I got there on April 10, 2009 - Good Friday.

One of my daughter collection (I have five) lives in the area. She was dispatched to make the preliminary visit for me. She joined with Moony's Lady to set up a meal that, almost made me forget about seeing The Newark Room.

When we met it was a bear hug hello coupled with some tears here and there. I ultimately was ushered into his garage. It had so many collectibles I wondered if his Harley could really find its' way out. You name it, and it was there. The only thing that moved me away was the call to come eat. Eat we did, and we also talked through a life time of memories.

After the meal I got to see the basement, which like the garage was filled with pictures, posters, badges, patches, and awards. These were items that didn't make it to The Newark Room.

One of the items that caught my eye was a "Voter Registration poster." It was captioned: "Don't let this happen again - Register -Vote." It showed a wounded 12 year old kid laying in a pool of blood, with a shotgun toting Newark Officer moving towards him. A similar picture was on the July 23 1967 cover of Life Magazine. I have that magazine in my den. It is a memory of the investigation I did for the Court regarding this shooting. Moonie and I both know that these pictures convey the wrong message. Enough said on that point.

We finally made a swift move up the stairs. Actually we were quite slow. That was "OK" as the best Newark Collection was straight ahead. In a word - amazing.

The claim to have the first badge of the current issue was quickly substantiated. The man not only had the badge, but the hat badge, and the retirement badge. They are displayed with uniform buttons, and that wonderful triangle patch. This one display restored my eyesight to a perfect 20/20.

My eagle eyes quickly caught hold of the rest of the room. There were multiple badges from every series ever issued by Newark Police. There were ranks that I did not know existed such as the "Chanceman", and one for the "Stables." There was even one from Vailsburg where I grew up, and several more badges that were a huge surprise for me. What a lesson I got on the history of Newark. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Filling up every nook and cranny of the room was something, and it wasn't limited to badges. The Newark Room also had an excellent collection of old etched night sticks. They looked like the belonged in a jewelers case. At least they were behind glass.

Mooney also displayed various restraints. Then there were old whistles, hats, police rattles, and several old lanterns. Mixed in were pictures of some old vehicles. One was from the bomb squad. I think if he could have gotten that vehicle it would be in his garage next to his Harley.

One of the displays that caught my eye was of a gray bunny rabbit. It was a large back patch showing the rabbit on a field of yellow. I noticed it because the long eared critter was holding three "R's." Those letters were explained at the bottom of the patch: "Rapid Response to Robbery." I was aware of this unit and instantly recognized the letters, however I did not recognize the bunny rabbit. I was instructed to check out the ears. They were tall and had a couple of squiggly lines on the inside. I learned those marks were not lines, but initials "M.M." They belonged to the officer who designed the patch, and who also worked in the unit.

After I absorbed all that I could regarding "The Three R's," I spotted a group of pictures, news clippings, and awards. As I studied them I learned Mooney took a swim in Newark's Passaic River. The historic river was pristine when the Lenai Lenape Indians owned the land in the 1600's. Three hundred years later it was filled with Dioxix and other chemicals. Some said the river glowed in the dark.

The man's aquatic performance took place on January 19, 1985 when there was a call reporting someone floating under the Clay Street Bridge. The reports indicate it was a bitter cold night, and there was heavy ice in the river. These obstacles didn't deter my friend from jumping in to save someone he never met. Once in the frigid river, he battled the conditions, as well as a frantic victim. Three times he went under before making this a successful rescue, and a lifetime memory.

The Deputy Chief of Police, after reading the reports filed, wrote saying: Your entry into "...the water in subfreezing weather was an unselfish act that resulted in a human life; that would, had you not taken immediate action, would have been lost." The "Medal of Honor" was subsequently awarded. All this was a millennium ago. The memory is still there, and a very proud memory it is.

It started getting late so the visit ended with my last observation. Mooney had the "Dreamland Badge" that I gave him properly displayed under glass, and surrounded by the memories of a life devoted to his City.

Prior to taking a picture with this writer, Moonie auctioned off his hair for the St. Baldrick's Children's Cancer Fund. He was quite pleased that he lost his hair for a good cause, rather then let it be side effect from the disease he is battling.

The proprietor of The Newark Room, is Detective Frank Donaghy, Newark Police Department, Retired (moonie1588@comcast.net). I am extremely proud to call him my friend.

Dennis Beyer, Naples Fl.

NEW YORK CITY

At the end of the month the wife and I took a little ride (1300 miles) up North. We stayed in the Garden State, but escaped one fine afternoon over to New York City. It wasn't too crowded. I guess all the "Yorkies" were in Florida.

The first stop of the day was the Sea Port. We got there without incident via subway. I was so happy to have been able to get out of those tunnels and onto the street.

Following lunch and looking at the Brooklyn Bridge, I traveled down to the New York City Police Museum. It is located in an old precinct house, and contained tons of memorabilia. While my first interest is badges there were also many artifacts from 9-11. I saw a name I knew and was moved, and I also observed an iron cross wielded together from WTC scrap. That too was emotional.

I'll display a couple of pictures from these exhibits, and "down the road" write abut all the badges I saw.

After leaving I had enough memories of time gone by, and the police. I was ready to check out Wall Street without sirens or flashing lights. As I approached one corner I heard a strange chanting sound coming closer. As I looked up, the street was filled with over a thousand people. I quickly retreated and went around the block only to find the same thing, but further up I observed one or two of New York's finest.

It seems I stumbled onto the "International Pillow Fight Celebration." Well now that I knew what was going on I was cool. This was normal New York. Even those two NY Cops, without backup, looked cool.

While I enjoyed the day I never thought I would see a pillow fight and cops show.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: ATLANTIC PROBATION OFFICER

I obtained this in the 90's. I got it from a friend who worked in the department by the Sea. A few years later I got another, but it was not as nice as this one. It is a real old looking badge, with nickle finish that has lasted through the years.

It is in the writers "State Probation Badges" collection, and has a nice spot on the wall of my Den. It is the first badge in the case as they are displayed in alphabetical order, by county.

This badge, like all the rest, provides me with fond memories. I often visited this County, and worked with their officers on official business. I remember Atlantic City before the Casino' came to town. I remember the Steel Pier, the Beaches, and the Boardwalk. Those were great days.

Once gambling came to "A.C." it became a prime convention spot. I attended over 15 of these events and always had a good time. Once I give directions to someone to the Hotel where we stayed. It was like this: "Just come straight down the main drag and look for a Trump sign. I forgot Trump had at least four Hotels. That goof caused some stress back then, but today I can laugh about it, and that is good.

There are no County Probation Department's currently. They were merged into a "unified" State System a decade ago. With that merger came a new identity and new badges. I still like the old badge, and the memories that comes with it.

JERSEY HAT BADGES

Somewhere over the years I acquired these fine hat badges. I believe they are from the Newark Police Department, but I am just not sure. Must be old age.

As the pictures show they represent a "near" rank set: Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Inspector, and Deputy Chief. I am missing the "Chief." He must have kept it when he retired. I know he kept the wallet badge,because he didn't mind telling me: "This is one you're not going to get !"

Each of these badges is shaped like the New Jersey State Seal. A "horses head" is top center and distinctive. Garden State plows are visible in the center.

I never really paid much attention to Newark's' hat badges as baseball caps were the head cover I saw. I do recall my dad's dress uniform and the fact that there was a hat badge on it.

My memory on the baseball hats goes back maybe thirty or more years. Those hats never carried a badge. I think some of the special units had custom hats, and one unit (no longer in existence) had a combination of three "R's" on top. They letters stood for "Rapid Robbery Response." This was a quick and tough unit that swooped in like Batman in unmarked cars responding to Newark's numerous robbery calls. They did the job well, and as a result Newark is a crime free community today. Yeah, right.

Back to these oldies. Because these badges are shaped like the State Seal I question if they really are from Newark. Newark used a City Seal on their breast badges, so why use the State Seal on the hat badge?

On the other hand the rank of Inspector was rarely used in N.J. It was, however, a rank used in the N.P.D. So just maybe these old hat badges did come from the City.

I estimate they date back to the early 1960's before yielding their way to baseball caps. I have no idea when they were first introduced. Today they rest in an end table, that my wife allowed me to buy, and put in my den. It has a glass top so that these fine pieces are displayed in proper fashion "under glass."

THE NEWARK ENFORCER: TONY IMPERIALE

Out of the smoke and fires of the Newark Riots emerged a man who was a Giant. He was a no nonsense advocate of "law and order." He ruled the North Ward and provided "protection" for his neighbors, as well as several other community services.

He was known to all as Tony. His full name was Anthony Imperiale. He is still a legend even though he is no longer with us. Tony died Dec. 28, 1999 at the age of 68.

In life he had caught the eye of many. To some he was a baseball bat wielding racist, while to others he was a god.

Gov. Richard Hughes called his supporter "brownshirts." This was in response to Imperiales' street patrols in the North Ward. To his detractors Tony stated: "When the Black Panther comes, the white hunter will be waiting."

His patrols lasted for two years, ending only when he won a seat on the City Council. He later won a State Assembly seat as an Independent candidate, and a Senate seat as a Republican.

He established his own private detective and security service, and organized the North Ward First Aid Squad. He never denied an individual service because of race. If he could help someone he did just that.

For years Tony was a fixture in Newark's Columbus Day parades He always did something to get the crowd laughing or cheering for him such as driving a TANK on Broad Street. In another parade he dressed up as a gladiator and stood on a float with a very real Lion.

The badge pictured above is from Tony's enforcement enterprise. There are not many of these around, and certainly knowing some of the history makes it a real treasure.