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.
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