S is for Sussex County in my collection of antique badges from the old "County" Probation Departments in N.J..
I have two badges from this place up in the mountains of northern New Jersey. The County at one time was in the running for the least populated area in the Garden State. There were probably more cows and chickens then people. That might still be true.
The county did have a probation department as there were a few real people living in the woods. When they got out of line they wound up on probation. The small department capably handled all cases that came their way.
Over the early years badges were not generally possessed by the officers. That changed in the 1980's. At that time a complete order was made for every officer and the Chief. Now these items are obsolete as the County Department has been taken over by the State. A different badge is in use today and it is issued from the State Capital in Trenton.
The badges pictured here are actually a "Rank Set." When purchased the only distinction made for job titles was that of the Chief. That badge was number 1. The remainder of this agency had the word "Officer" on their badge.
These are still in very good condition and show no signs of use. They, like the others in my collection, are treasured. They are on display where I can constantly see them. I let them remind of some pleasant days in the wilderness of this County. I guess today it is a metropolis. Either way Sussex County is part of some fine memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment