MUNICIPALS: "H" IS FOR HADDON HEIGHTS

We are now up to "H" which is for HADDON HEIGHTS in my MUNICIPAL COLLECTION. It is the 15th distinct community in alphabetical order in this display.

I know I have had this badge for a couple of decades, and I recall who gave it to me. What I don't know is where this town is located. New Jersey is a small state, but would you believe there are over 500 towns.

I don't think I could name half of these communities. This is one such place. I had to use my rusty investigative skills to learn this place is in beautiful suburban Camden County. That is South Jersey near the Delaware River. I don't think George Washington knew of the place or ever slept there.

The community is incorporated as a "Borough." That means you use the word town rather loosely and inaccurately. But we are all friends here so call it what you wish.

The Borough has about 7000 people, and obviously a Police Department. This is an old badge so I assume the "Boys in Blue" have been around a while.

It is the traditional design with the N.J.State Seal stamped into the front prior to plating. The letters are simple recessed and filled with black enamel. It reads: HADDON HEIGHTS and on the second panel appears the word: POLICE.  There is a number box on the bottom with the numerals 15.

I wish I had some memories about this location. I guess I should be satisfied to know my memory is still pretty good, and I do have a nice badge in my collection.

MUNICIPALS - "G" IS FOR GLEN RIDGE

G is for Glen Ridge. It is the fourteenth community represented in my Municipal Collection.

This is a little badge, maybe two inches tall at most. It fits because this town is small. It measures from 3 blocks wide to an impressive six blocks wide at the bulge. It is a great place to live. There are quite a few mansions with views of the New York Skyline.

I am told there are around 7000 - 8000 residents here. I do mean those that stay overnight, as there is a commuter train through the Town, as well as buses to NY. These commuters swell the population by 200 -300 percent.

Despite its' size a couple of well known people can call Glen Ridge home. First there was Buzz Aldrin.  He was an Astronaut on Apollo 11. Along with Neil Armstrong, he became the first human on the Moon. That was in 1969.

Another guy who lived here and graduated from the local high school is Tom Cruise. He flew too in "Top Gun," but didn't come anywhere near  the Moon.

Crime is not a problem here, but it does occur. When I worked, a Century ago, I knew a number of officers in the local department. I frequently attended meetings with their guys devoted to juvenile offenses. These were great guys and over the years I learned quite a bit about suburbia.

Some of these stories are never to be told, but always remembered. They still bring a smile (smirk) to my face.  I remember them instantly when I gaze at this badge now in my Municipal Collection. 

I also remember who "donated" this item to my very young collection decades ago. Sad to say,  He is no longer with us.

The badge is a simple shield marked: Auxiliary Police, Glen Ridge, NJ.  It also is marked #73. I am very pleased to have it and the memories.