TIME TO REMEMBER

Another year has come, and gone. It's time to give a moment or two to remember friends who have passed on. One way or another they are still with us.

It has been a couple of years since one of my friends answered his last call. His grand-daughter drew the picture below. It makes a very nice memory. 

In addition to this Officr, there are others who have passed away in 2012. They leave us and their families behind.  Miss you guys!

"M" IS FOR MORRIS PLAINS

This "M" is for Morris Plains, NJ. The badge is part of my Municipal Collection.

George Washington never slept here, but he may have marched on the trailsin the area during the Revolutionary War.  Old George did have his Head Quarters in the area back back in his day.  It is now Morristown, NJ.  Morris Plains is the neighboring community.

As a formal municipality Morris Plains didn't come into existence until after the country had forty-eight states. That would be 1926. General Washington never saw that coming.

Like many towns in New Jersey this community was created out of another. Technically it isn't a Town, but a Borough. The tag "bedroom community" also fits here. Many of the residents work in "The City" - New York. They have direct access via train that goes into Penn Station. That train passed my old home in a neighboring Borough.

What I recall best about this place was a little steakhouse. It was called Arthur's. I recall there was one in Hoboken too. These communities have the train and restaurants in common. 

When I checked Google to see if this restaurant was still in business I learned that they were, and that they were also considered one of the best steakhouses in New Jersey. I should have eaten there more often.

The badge from this fine police department is relatively new to my collection. It comes to me from across the pond in the United Kingdom. How it got there I have no idea, but I was glad to bring it home.

This badge is the old traditional shape for NJ police. It is a shell with two panels at the top, and a reverse stamped State Seal in the center. The panels have the words Morris Plains and Police stamped with recessed black enamel fill. A large number box is at the bottom with the number "24" located dead center. Ironically this is also the 24th  Badge in my display in alphabetical order by municipality.

I'm very pleased to have this fine item in my Municipal Collection, and now that it is there it makes my mouth water for some good steak. At least I can enjoy that fine memory.

"M" IS FOR MILLVILLE

This badge is rather unique. It certainly is old, but also has a very unusual shape for a Jersey badge  It comes from the municipality of Millville, N.J.

In my Municipal Collection this is the twenty-third consecutive community to be identified in alphabetical order. Hence this badge is  headlined here as "M" is For Millville.

I have had  it for over twenty-five years. This is another item that I don't know anything about. That is unusual. It is from a  Community in Cumberland County. 

To me that was farm country. Be that as it may, I always liked this old west styled badge, but at the same time would have considered trading it for something from Newark or just a "City."

Because I wanted to say something about the community I did some Google work. I learned that this place is centered nicely between the NJ Turnpike, The Garden State Parkway,  and The Atlantic City Expressway. That makes it a 'metropolis" for sure, and the twenty-four thousand residents helps too.

The place has roots to colonial days. Several mills were built in the area which contributed to the adoption of the name "Millville." Today there are many art galleries on High Street in the downtown area.

I learned that there is even an airport here. In fact it was designated as "America's First Defense Airport" during Worked War II. 

Well I learned something about this community, plus one other major bit of information that I did not know. Millville is a City. That means I like it more, and eventually will move it to my City Collection. That is good news for me. Now I will no longer  consider it for trade.

As noted this badge looks like it was from out West. It simply reads: Millville, and at the bottom Police.  In the center is one of the largest State Seals I have seen. The reason for this can be seen by looking at the back. In an open cutout there is a five point "Star." The State Seal had to be large enough to cover the star. I guess this was done for budgetary reasons.

For now this badge will stay put. It will be my reminder that every badge needs to be checked thoroughly, and that includes its' history. I have learned my lesson.

MUNICIPALS: "M" IS FOR MILLBURN

Millburn is a great municipality in Essex County, NJ. I remember it well.

I have a few badges from here and they are a major part of my Municipal collection. The three badges pictured represent my twenty-second community in alphabetical order with this "M" being for Millburn. 

A distant relative served on the police force in this town in the 60's. Unfortunately I never met the man, at least I don't remember doing so. I do recall my father making comments about nice the job in that community must be.

On Sunday's Dad often cranked up his old Hudson and we would take a ride through all those nice places that seemed light years away. We would go through Millburn, Chatham, and out to Schooley's Mountain. The ride took up an afternoon.   

These places seemed like "frontier towns" when I was a kid, but that changed. I became an adult, I got a job, and they stopped making Hudson's. They also stopped making a couple of my father's other choice vehicles (Studebaker and Desoto).    

The biggest change came with the construction of the Interstate Highway (I-78 and I-287) and "24." With these roads the small town became a suburb of Newark.  

I lived in Chatham, and saw my driving time to work drop from thirty five minutes to fifteen minutes (My Chevy could fly). Once at work I established many friends and contacts that helped with the badge collection. The three above were all given to me by a fellow probation officer who definitely had the right connection. He donated them to my collection.

These are three nice badges. They are all early (1900 -1950) shields in good condition. The first badge is an Auxiliary Police (# 166).  It is actually in excellent condition as the picture reveals. 

The second badge is marked Special Police (#22). This item is of a design not common for N.J. police. It has twin pillars on the sides, with  an eagle on the top. There are also four tiny stars on this badge.

The last badge is the officers shield. It is simply marked Police (#19). This badge, like the other two are marked with the name Millburn, NJ. All have the State Seal at center point and are plated to match the finish on the badge.   

These items have been in my collection a good twenty-five years. It is nice to see them on a daily basis, and yes they do trigger some great memories.
 

NEWARK POLICE CONVERTIBLE - COOL RIDE

Rank has its' privileges for sure. This Captain not only has a Chauffeur, but the car is a convertible.

Of course this picture was taken a long long time ago - Jan. 2, 1921. I think the present day guys use armored vehicles  - with roofs!

The picture included Newark Police Commissioner Brennan discussing a traffic concern with   Traffic Division Captain McRell.  The driver was Officer Harry Marsley.

While not a badge this picture is a nice part of my collection, and well worth sharing here with other collectors.

MUNICIPALS: "M" IS FOR MEDFORD

"M" is for the fine community of Medford, N.J. The badge is the twenty-first in alphabetical order in this display of various municipalities. 

This Town is is in South Jersey near the Delaware River. I imagine it is still very nice. Truth be told I have never visited the place.
  
My understanding is that Medford is a fairly large community. Even though that is true I still know zip about this town. It is, despite the wife's concern, a proper fit in my Municipal Collection.

I recently got this badge from another collector. I thought it would be a nice fit in the collection. As badges go this is right around three inches tall with the State Seal at center.

There are four panels on this shield and they read: Patrolman,  Medford, Police, NJ. The bottom line is I like it, and I am very pleased to have it.

PICTURE OF OLD TIME NEWARK OFFICER

For the first 40 years all I would collect were badges. As a result my overall collection was small (The wife disagrees).

During the last five or so years I have "trimmed up" the badge displays by adding an old picture, some handcuffs or a whistle. I think these other items make the collection look just a little bit better (The wife disagrees).

The  above is not an original, but it is of a Newark Officer. His badge can be clearly identified as second edition N.P.D.  I like it and thought it is well worth sharing here. Hope everyone enjoys it too (The wife concurs on that wish).

OLD TRENTON BADGE ADDED TO CITY COLLECTION

The above badge was recently acquired from a collector in Washington DC.

He had a couple of Trenton Badges, as do I. Getting this item enables me to remove one that does not sparkle like this one. Now I have two in the display, and one  for sale or trade.

The addition has the Trenton City Seal in the center. It is a stamped figure of a "horse head" on top of a shield. Around this seal it reads: Trenton City Police.  At the bottom is #53. There is a functioning "C" catch, on the rear, with pin.

It is estimated that this fine badge dates back to late 1800's to early 1900. It didn't take long to do the picture, put it in custody, and lock it up under glass where I can see it everyday.

MUNICIPALS: "M" IS FOR MAPLEWOOD

"M" is for the metropolis of Maplewood, NJ

This community is a Township so it is a proper fit in my Municipal Collection. In sequence this is the 20th distinct community to be included in the display. 

Maplewood was one of those communities I could walk to from my home in the Ivy Hill section of Newark. There are good memories here. They had nice parks, and some had baseball fields that our gang visited often. 

There was a great little park about fifteen minutes from my house. In a pick up game I recall hitting a baseball off the side of a park building in left field. What a shot !  A wicked line drive. I also remember that I only had one such hit like that one, but the thing is I do remember it.

I clearly remember two events, that I was directly involved in as a probation officer, that took place in Maplewood. The problem is,  I can't tell the tale. I will say a Giant of an NFL Linebacker should like me very much; and, in regards to a different event, the local guys in blue should also have a huge smile for me.
 
The badge pictured here is a very nice memory kicker.  It is simply marked with black recessed letters:  Patrolman, Police, Maplewood. The number is 23. The State Seal is plated with the same finish as the full shield, and it was made before the 1970's.  

This badge is definitely a piece of the collection that I am thrilled to possess. I am also very pleased that I can still recall the memories I have of this fine community.

 

COLLIER COUNTY EMERGENCY WORKERS SHOW

 It is not always about badges or my "Old Memories." This post is about an exhibition in Collier County (Fl.) that took place a few days ago. It was sponsored by the local wholesaler "Costco."

When I arrived at the parking lot for the stores "special" evening opening I had lower expectations. My trend of thought was they wanted me in the store with the credit card out. That was not the case.

The area had many exhibits from our local emergency workers. I was impressed to see that the Bomb Squad was on the scene. The used a big truck and a little Robot. I hope his name was not Three Finger Willie.

He was operated by romote control. He would simply to take a blast to the face if necessary in place of a human officer. Even with a robot this is dangerous when deployed in a real life situation. One could not help thinking of the old saying about Bomb Squad Officers: "If you see me running, try to keep up !"

If anything went wrong here,  this was the right place to be. The Crime Scene Officers were there. The had a mobile truck that was loaded with all sorts of goodies. Again I was impressed. I checked it out thoroughly. There were even bones on display, along with photos that were taken at real crime scenes. If medical help was needed it too was there.

Outside the CSI Truck the Sheriff had plenty of cars to do a hot pursuit.Everyone one looked like it was just simonized (if that wax is still used). I was hoping to get a ride. All I wanted was at least one lap around the parking lot, but no dice. This was strictly "look but don't touch." The Car that I really liked is the gull winged sports car. I thought they got it to catch my daughter. She thinks she is Danica Patrick, but that (thankfully) was not the case. It is used with the drug education program - DARE.

In the middle of the parking lot was an area squared off by Sheriff's cars with its lights flashing. I was instantly thinking "landing area" when the helicopter was heard approaching. It came in nice and easy, and landed smoothly. The officers encourage people to sit at the controls and have their picture take. I was satisfied with a picture of the 'copter' from head to tail. In a word - impressive.

The Fire Department and EMS had their trucks present and they too made a great presentation. I particularly enjoyed the 1937 fire truck. It was older then me, and in much better condition. I couldn't get a ride on this one either.

Just up near the door was an exhibit that moved the emotions in every direction. They were selling bricks - red bricks. The purchase of these  bricks will help pay for the construction of the Collier County Freedom Memorial. 

Part of the display, supporting the memorial, was a steel beam from one of our Twin Towers. It churned the emotions, as did the picture of a friend, on a poster commemorating the officers of the NY-NJ Port Authority Police, that died September 11, 2001. 

The bricks to be used in the Freedom Memorial have these words stamped on them: "We shall never forget."  In closing this post I trust that We Remember.

GOOD PICKINGS IN ORLANDO

On September 8th Collectors from all corners of the Country gathered at the Orlando Police Collectors Show in the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The show was sponsored by Doug Sarubbi.

I had a table to show of my City of Newark Collection, and my Major Jersey City's Collection. When I wasn't at the table I left my wife "in charge."  When I got back everything was still there. God I was glad she didn't sell it.

As I roamed the floor I found many treasures. One collector was offering the above gun. It was a thirty-two caliber revolver made by Colt. This was one that Teddy Roosevelt purchased for the New York City P.D. I thought it was a real nice piece and offered at a good price. I thought about it too long as it was sold by the end of the day.

The badge, number 220, from L.A. caught my eye too. It was a prototype that was never made in large numbers, and was not adopted as an official L.A. badge. Still It was a nice looking shield, and I would presume quite valuable. It sure looks great and could very well be the center piece of someones collection.

The "brown" badge is made of leather. It is from Chicago.  The owner explained that the precinct number (#3) was in the center.  This real old badge deserved, and received very special attention from its' owner. It was definitely a "Keeper."

I had my picture taken holding my Newark Display (one of many). In the background is a case holding "City Badges." The "Major Cities" are well covered in this group, along with a couple of minor communities with city status. These are my "Keepers."  Even my wife knows not to even think about selling them.

During my wandering around the convention floor I managed to purchase the "Hats" from Great Britain and Belgium. I also picked up a couple of badges of which this badge from Little Ferry, NJ will fit my "Marshall Badges."  I have a dozen badges in one case. All are old New Jersey Marshall's, a title used in the early 1900's. I'd like to grow this collection so I will always be looking for another "Jersey Marshal."

HEROES BEHIND THE BADGE

At the Orlando Police Collectors Show on Sept. 8, I had the pleasure of meeting Frank Pierce. He is Vice President of   "Heroes Behind the Badge."

His organization is producing a film honoring those who placed their lives on the line doing the "Job." The proceeds of this film will benefit the law enforcement community and National Police Museum in Washington DC.

The link to this site will be added to the "Our Friends" (on the right hand side of the  blog page, and can be found by going to the link which will pop up in the space below:  

 www.heroesbehindthebadge.com 

Give this site a look when you have a chance. It is very well done, and is for an excellent cause.

NEWARK'S FIVE EDITIONS

BEAUTIFUL !!!

The above are pictures of a reproduction set of all five editions of badges from the Newark Police Department.

I have these badges in a nice frame that sits on my desk. I see it every day. They motivate  me to keep looking for the real  sample of each one. I am missing the "Star" and the design with the number 59 on it.

After 40+ years I'll still keep looking, but I have also decided to let you all know I am now accepting donations. Why didn't I think of that a long time ago. I could have retired much sooner.

Hope you like looking at these nice items.

MUNICIPALS: "L" IS FOR LEONIA

As I work through "My" alphabet this is number nineteen in alphabetical sequence.

This "L" is for Leonia. It is part of my Municipal Collection. Leonia is in Bergen County, N.J.  It is incorporated as a "Borough,"  so it is a proper fit for my "Muni's.

The Borough borders Fort Lee, NJ.  Interstate 95 covers a good portion of  Leonia's outer perimeter. State Highways 9, 46, and US 1 also surround the community. That means New York City is only a few minutes away, except during the morning rush hour. Then it takes days to get over the George Washington Bridge.

When it is time to get to work the population of roughly 9000 sees itself drop to near ghost town numbers. There are only a few souls left in the community. The kids are present along with their teachers. Also present is the Leonia P.D.  

The Cops do a good job, keeping this community safe. The town ranks as one of the better places to live as reported in New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Even though this is a safe place to live it also has a horror tale in its' history. An infamous Shoe Maker, and his thirteen year old son, put Leonia on the map almost forty years ago. The exact date was Jan. 8, 1975.

The serial killer known as "The Shoe Maker," was one Joseph Kallinger. He gained entrance into a home on Glenwood Avenue by pretending to be an insurance salesman. Once in the house he subdued the three occupants, and then waited for other people to return to the house in the quiet neighborhood.

Maria Fasching , age 21, was the final person to come into the house that day. She was a nurse, and stopped in to make a routine check on a neighbor. She found utter horror that day. The young woman didn't cave in to the threats of her captor. She held her ground. She boldly confronted Kallinger. She died for her efforts. 

A surviving witness stated that Miss Fasching, "admonished Kallinger for his aberrant behavior."  He admonished her by cutting her throat. 

One of the people inside the home managed to escape. The police were summoned to the scene. They freed the remaining victims, but could not find or identify "The Shoe Maker."  His killing spree continued. Safe communities were left  a little on edge. 

Kallinger was eventually captured in Pennsylvania. He drew a 40 year sentence for his crimes in that State. While institutionalized the crazy-man repeatedly verbalized a desire to "kill every person on Earth."  As an inmate he somehow got lighter fluid and poured it over himself,  lighting it, and then tried to "fry an egg on his head."  I'll have mine well done !

I am glad this "Shoemaker Story" is not an every day event in Leonia.  I am also very glad to have this old shield from their good community. It is very simple, and traditional. It simply reads: Leonia, and then Police. The number is 17.

MUNICIPALS: "I" IS FOR IRVINGTON

 "I" is for Irvington,  in my Municipal Collection.

The first thought I had when writing this post was: "What is Irvington doing here?" There must be a million people living there.

Population just doesn't make a place a City.  Even though the record shows a population of 53,000, this place is incorporated as Township, not a City.

With this community clearly identified as a Township I made the count of badges in my display to see where it sits in alphabetical order. It is number 19. It sits in the 3rd row.

The sad news here is, I'll never get a piece for every municipality in New Jersey. There are over 500. I can't even name half of them.

When I grew up in Newark the family estate  (35' x100' lot) was in an area that bordered on three other communities. I could walk to any of them in less then five minutes. Irvington was the closest. I walked there often. 

I went to Church in Irvington. The girls I dated were from Irvington. I got married at Sanford Heights Church in Irvington. God that was 45 years ago. I even lived in Irvington for a couple of years. God,  I have of roots in this township.

During my career I often had jobs there. Sometimes my memories as a kid crossed with a job assignment as an adult. The boy in me remembered Olympic Park. It was a well known amusement park. It had a nice pool, a huge wooden roller coaster, and nice area where bands played. My dad, a Newark Cop, moonlighted by playing clarinet with Captain Joe Basile's Band on Sunday's. Dad had enough seniority that he got quite a few Sundays off.

One of my work assignment took me into Olympic Park. I got in free!  This time the park closed was closed. The pool was empty, the roller coaster was silent, and the band was gone. A Detective from Irvington and I spent a few hours checking out attractions finding only memories. Even though we could not find this dumb kid, we established a good working friendship. When we talked there were usually three subjects that came up. First was Olympic Park, Second was my Badge Collection, and Last was something to do with the Job.

Harry eventually made a nice donation to my collection. In fact he had three pieces for me. All I had to do was get him some information. I was so motivated I made this trade 'face to face' in less than an hour.  It was just better to do it that way. Of the items he donated to my collection none were from Irvington. What I care about today, as you have ascertained, is the memories, and to have this fine badge to in my collection.

It is a design used by many municipalities. This one is stamped, on the top panel, "IRVINGTON," while the second panel reads "Police."  In the number box is the number "90." It's simple, It's traditional, and  It's a keeper.

ORLANDO'S "VACATION CAPITAL" POLICE SHOW SET FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

 

 

The following notice was submitted to us to share with collectors.

The Orlando Police Collectors Show has been a great event in the past and promises to be dynamite this year. I know I plan to bring a few cases of items I have from Newark, NJ, including the fabulous Newark Police Chancemen Badge that I added to my collection a few months ago. I will also bring the above pictured "City" collection from New Jersey.

See the official notice below:

*******

VACATION CAPITAL

POLICE COLLECTORS SHOW

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL

9700 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE TOURIST DISTRICT. CLOSE TO UNVIVERSAL STUDIOS, SEA WORLD, WALT DISNEY WORLD AND TWO WORLD CLASS FACTORY OUTLET MALLS.

 EASY ACCESS FROM THE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, INTERSTATE 4, AND THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE.

100 TABLES ARE AVAILABLE AT $25.00 EACH

SET UP BEGINS AT 730 AM****SHOW OPENS AT 900 AM

A SPECIAL ROOM RATE OF $69.00 IS AVAILBE FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS. CALL 1-800-627-8258  FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS.   PLEASE MENTION THE “OCSO VACATION CAPITAL POLICE SHOW” BY NAME.

 FREE ON-SITE PARKING FOR ATTENDEES & GUESTS

Awards will be presented for Best Badge, Best Patch and Best Overall Displays.  Admission is $2.00

               FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

DOUG SARUBBI at sarubb@aol.com OR CALL

DAY: 407-351-9368  NIGHT: 407-297-1232

Co-Hosts: Ron Bartholome and John Holmes

Please confirm reservations by mailing payment to:

Doug Sarubbi, 4023 Salmon Dr, Orlando, Fl. 32835

MUNICIPALS: "H" IS FOR HILLSIDE

This is number (18) eighteen in sequence. I thought it was going to be easy to just count them, but a double here and there strained my brain.

In the Municipal Collection this s another "H". It is for Hillside, NJ This is a nice name for a little town that borders lovely Newark, N.J.


As a kid I learned quick that n trains had a factory and store in this area. I actually worked my tail off in school to earn a train set one year. It was an "0-27" gauge, and I made it fit inside and slightly elevated over my original (and wow would i like it back) "O" gauge set.


Lionel is gone now from Hillside, as am I. Miles and light years. That means I won't be getting "my" train set back.

I also remember Phil Rizzuto lived here. I believe the Yankee shortstop stayed in this town even after retiring as a sportscaster. Holly Cow. I could have told him how to get on US 22 and head for the Garden State Parkway to get out of town.

I obtained this police badge back in the 80's along with a couple of Fire Badges. Most of the fire badges have been sold or traded. The above #48 I still have, but it is not part of a display.

The Captain Badge is included in the displays I still maintain. It is a heavy badge with gold tone finish. The NJ State Seal was placed on it prior to plating. It is smaller then a dime. I think technically we call it dinky in size.

There are two panels that come standard with this design. On this badge the two panels are stamped: Hillside, and Police. On the bottom is a plate over the number box with the rank Captain done in reverse stamped blue enamel.

Well I do like this piece, as I do with all that make up the display pictured above. They all help keep my mind working on all those memories. Just maybe I'll get my train set back.

MUNICIPALS: "H" IS FOR HIGH PARK GARDEN

Pictured here is number seventeen in my New Jersey Municipal Collection. The "H" is for High Park Garden.

Two things to note right away. First is that High Park garden is an apartment co-op. The second point is that this badge is probably from a private security company. On the second point I am not sure it really counts as an item for my display, but  it is there.

The "Garden" is located in beautiful Newark, NJ. The badge, and the creation of the "co-op community" have their origin in the mid 1960's.  That makes the badge just under 50 years of age. It looks good.

The "Co-op" wasn't far from the site where Newark's riot started in 1967. I worked in the area surrounding this place. At the time there were many high rise residences. Many people called them "the projects."  Others had more colorful descriptions. What was clear was, security was needed.

It is possible that these buildings no longer exist.  This would be due to post riot urban renewal. City street after city street disappeared, and a "new face" was given to this delightful area.  

As a kid I went to summer school in the area. That wasn't because I was a genius. I later worked on these streets. It was fun, fun, fun. I guess that proves I wasn't smart. Glad I survived.
 
Buchlien & and Son most likely made this badge as there business was located a short distance away. They did good work which is why this item looks so good today.

There are three panels which are standard in size. They read: High Park Garden; and POLICE.  On the bottom is a number box that has a solid panel with the word "CHIEF" stamped with reverse blue letters. The letters are so big, Stevie Wonder could see them from a mile away! This is not a dream badge, but it is what you make of it.

One thing for sure is that this badge, when I give it the daily look,  fires up a lot of memories. It also makes me glad to be a thousand miles away. I just wish I could recapture some of the lost years.

MUNICIPALS: "H" IS FOR HALEDON

Another "H".  This one is  "H" for HALEDON in my MUNICIPAL COLLECTION. I am now up to number 16 as they appear in my huge custom made case of oak and glass, and lots of class. Obviously I like it

This badge is in great shape. It is the basic design with an Eagle on Top. Its' condition is impressive. At first glance that is all I can say about this item. I estimate it to be around 50 years of age making it much younger then me.

I had to check the map to see where this community is in New Jersey. I was surprised to learn how close it was to my backyard relatively speaking. Not far at all.

I guess I should have paid better attention to Passaic County, and its' big City - Paterson.  Haledon is right there. It is not very big at all. I can't believe how I missed it all these years. I guess it was because of the effort I made to steer clear of neighboring Paterson.

From what I have learned this community has about 8000 residents, and they do have a police department. Newer badges are in use.

This particular badge has a stamped from the rear State Seal at the center point. There are two panels on the top. The name Haledon is stamped on the first panel. The word Police is stamped on the second panel. The letters are filled with black enamel.

In the lower portion of the badge is a number box. Number ten (10) was applied at the center just like many other badges supplied to Jersey departments. They look good, and like I said, above, I like it.

COLLECTING MEMORIES: LONDON CITY POLICE MUSEUM

I am always Collecting Memories, however this one is a little different. I traveled in May (2012) to London to have this experience. I was motivated by the wife’s need to see the U.K.  and the Baltic Capitals.

Prior to arriving I checked a few things out. I quickly learned that the Metro Police and the London City Police are two separate departments. Metro seems to be everywhere, while the London City Police cover a small area of London.  Their jurisdiction is nicknamed the “Square Mile.”

Size is not always important, especially when the subject is History. The City Police go back to 1839. At the time the Metro Police Force was in its’ infancy. While Metro’s jurisdiction grew, the London City Police elected to maintain their own identity. 

Their Headquarters is located at 37 Wood Street.  It is also the home of the London City Police Museum.  It is a small facility. An appointment is required to view the exhibits.

Werner Roper, a former New Jersey Transit Police Chief, accompanied me on this adventure. We brought our wives for protection, and to remind us of the time. The first thing we did was get lost, but the Metro Police were there to help. They pointed out the way, and called ahead so our guide would be expecting us.

  

Our escort was Bob Cottvill . He also served as guardian of those famous Helmets and Badges. He is retired from Her Majesty’s Defense Service. Bob has studied the London City Police for several years. The Gentleman was most happy to see a couple of guys from New Jersey, and even happier to share his knowledge of this great little museum.  He made it huge!

 Bob started our tour by discussing communication equipment. I enjoyed seeing an old Police Public Call Post.  All one had to do was open the bright blue door and pick up the phone. I remembered, as a boy, seeing “Police Call Boxes” mounted on telephone poles in Newark, N.J.  . Ours were smaller –  by a ton. They are also very collectible.

 

From the bright blue phone system Bob showed us an old wood communications tool. He said: “I bet you never saw one of these before.”   My wife said: “Yes I have!  There are two hanging in my house.”  I am sure she was thrilled to show her expertise. I know I was quite proud of her. 

      

The wooden device was a Police Rattle. It was a means of signaling each other while working the street. They were used in the 1800’s. In London they were replaced by Police Whistles.

A short distance from the rattle was, appropriately enough, a nice collection of old whistles. They were in a nice display under glass. My wife had nothing to say about them, but I know she has observed a few on “my” wall back home. At least she wasn’t looking at her watch.

Communications in old London was unique. Click’s and Clacks was the only tune in town until tiny whistles came into existence. Tweets was a major leap forward, then in 1886 Guglielmo Marconi  gave us the wireless radio. A few years later Wi-Fi arrived  on the scene.

The museum has a couple of items that link communications and tragedy. The radio in the museum’s Moorgate Exhibit was used by police in response to the greatest rail transportation tragedy (at the time) in peacetime London.

In terms of physical size this was a small exhibit, yet it signals just how vulnerable we all are. Clicks and Clacks wouldn’t work in this situation, but looking back, thirty-seven years, the data suggests that the modern twentieth century radio also could have worked better. That's history, and we learn from it.

The event took place on the morning of February 28, 1975. A train arriving at Moorgate Station failed to stop. It continued through the station towards a dead end stop. It hit the wall at 40+ mph.

Over forty people were killed. City Police Officer Margret Liles, was trapped for twelve hours in the tunnel.  She was freed only after her foot was amputated. Moorgate Rescue Operations lasted for four days. 

The last man out was the Engineer – Leslie Newson. His failure to stop the train caused the accident. Why this happened was not established.

Since this incident we have built radios with transmission systems that work better underground. On the tracks we have developed a switch that automatically stops runaway trains. Ironically this is called the “Mooregate Switch.” History has taught us well.

A short distance from the Mooregate exhibit was a display featuring a wooden scale model of some old buildings. Our Guide explained that this was a model of the Exchange Buildings where thieves attempted to rob a jewelry store. The “bad guys” were foreign nationals looking for a way to fund their cause. This sounds familiar, but this attempted robbery took place in December of 1910.

The gang led by Jacob Gardstein and Peter Piatkow tunneled from one building to another. The target was the safe in a jewelry store located on Houndsditch Rd. When the sound of their digging was heard the local police were summoned to the scene.  The police surrounded the building, entered it, and attempted to secure it.

Things did not go well.

Three Officers died at the scene of what has been remembered as the Houndsditch Murders.  Dead were:  Sergeant Charles Tucker,  Sergeant Robert Bentley, and  Constable Walter Choate.

The bad guys initially made it out of the area, however Gardstein was wounded. His partners carried him a short distance, and then left him in an alley to die. The others found safety in a nearby apartment; however days later (now Jan 1911) someone gave the police a tip as to their whereabouts.

What happened next has gone down in history as the Siege of Sidney Street. A combined force of City Police and Metro Officers could not get control of the area. The needed assistance and, in particular, better guns. Help came from the “Scots Guard” stationed in London Tower.

Also arriving at the scene was a curious Sir Winston Churchill. He and Police discussed bringing in a cannon to knock the building down. As they talked a fire erupted in the buildings.

Churchill taking charge ended a quick confrontation between Police and Fire Officials by ordering the Fire Department to “Stand Down.” 

The building continued to burn and ultimately ended the siege.

Today “Sidney Street” is under control. A hundred years have passed, and “Yes” my wife finally noticed the time.

The last order of business on this visit was for me to have my picture taken in one of those Famous Helmets, visit and London Tower, and thank Bob Cottvill for sharing his memories of the “Square Mile Bobbies” and this fabulous museum. 

  The bright blue box is a Police Public Call Post installed in the city By London police.

An early communications device known as a Police Rattle. It was used up to 1886.

A Radio used in the 1975 Moorgate Disaster.

London City Police Officer Margret Liles who trapped for twelve hours in the Moorgate Tube Disaster.

1910 Paper with pictures of Constables: Tucker, Bentley and Choate who were killed in what has become known as the "Houndsditch Murders." They were responding to a robbery attempt of a jewelry store.

Dennis and Lois Beyer (L and Werner and Carolyn Roper (R).

Dennis Beyer with Display of London Badges

Dennis Beyer and  Bob Cottvill