L IS FOR LINDEN. I never knew Linden was a "City" until I got this badge a decade ago. The place formally became a City in 1925, on New Years Day. Before that date it was a Borough, or Township in Union County, New Jersey.
I always thought this place was just that - "A Place," but it was "A Place" with one big oil refinery.
The Refinery is just across the water from Staten Island. It's called Bayway Refinery, and it is a major employer. Some have said it is a major polluter. I always thought the smoke above the refinery was a landmark that gave new meaning to the phrase "heading south," or going to the shore.
The area around the refinery is not the place where you would want to reside. The place however is nicely cut apart by major highways such as US 1 & 9, and the NJ Turnpike. On one side is "Cancer Alley" and on the other is a fairly nice residential area.
There are just less than 40,000 people living and cutting grass here. Linden does not make the Top Ten Cities (by population) in N.J. It is, however, most likely in the top fifteen cities. This means it fits in my top twenty collection very nice.
The citizens of Linden have a fine law enforcement agency. It is not a "Car 54 Where Are You" operation. They have a full compliment of good guys in blue. These officers do their job and keep their citizens safe.
They are well organized and even have at least one Captain. The vintage badge pictured above is no longer in use. It has been in the collection for well over a decade. It is a fine looking badges, and in very good shape.
It is an unusual shield. It resembles the design that is more likely associated with fire professionals. Linden is not the only "Place" to use this design for its' Police Department.
As one can see it is gold finish and has black recessed letters. The rank of Captain stands proudly at the top of this item. Just below it are the words: Police Dept., Linden, N.J. The State Seal is in the center and also is gold finish.
Gunther Toody and Francis Muldoon would be proud to have this badge in their collection, along with their old Car 54. I am also very happy to have this badge. As to that old police car I'll just settle for the memory.
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