2013 YEAR END MEMORIES AND SALUTE

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. I published it last year and think it is a nice gesture so it is here this year too. It makes a very nice memory.

In addition to this Officer, there are others who have passed away in 2013. They leave us and their FAMLIES behind.  

Miss you guys!

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, SOME INTERESTING AQUISTIONS

I have had the above four badges 30 years or more. I have them assembled into a single display as the top picture reveals.

The first badge I obtained in the late 70's. It is the design that was replaced by the badge on the bottom, or the 4th item. Note the change in the State Seals. On the bottom there is a "Blue Ring" which has been modified now to full color seals. So with one and four you have "new" and "old."

Take a look at the second badge in this series. First note the huge stamped seal that takes up almost the entire center area of this beauty. It says, " I am an antique."  Another thing to note is the words "Reform School." I am sure, to be politically correct, you can't say that anymore. My guess is this dates back to the 1940's or earlier.

The third badge, "Outside Guard" is interesting. The words are no longer used on the current badges that I know of. The badge is similar in shape to the one on the bottom, but look at the huge difference in State Seals. This one is certainly old too.

I believe these items came from institutions named for their municipal location: Rahway, Jamesburg, Trenton, and Rahway again. Today these institutions take their names, to be politically correct, from points on the compass.

Over the years I had occasion to visit these facilities of higher education. I usually spent an hour getting in and out to do a quick interview. I loved hearing the recess bell (in my head) telling me it was time to "Go Home." Definitely glad I could do that.

I can't say that there is a fond memory associated with these places, but I certainly do like the badges and give them the respect they deserve here in my retirement Casa de Napoli en Florida.

A ROYAL TIME IN THE BAHAMAS

We were gone only a week. We went to the Bahamas (Nassau). We sought a week of rest and relaxation, but we got far more then expected.

While we were there we took a couple small trips to see some historical points of interest. We saw ancient forts, the downtown shopping area, and Police Headquarters (The Old Guy was giving the taxi driver directions!).

We had a few Police Officers inquiring at their back door as to, "What did we want?" A Handshake and a Picture was the request.

Well the request, after a few more questions, was Okay-ed  by Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, after he personally checked Sir Dennis out.

Pictures were taken on the spot, and even Lois was asked to be in them. Then the Commissioner said,  "We should do this in front of HQ." After following The Boss Cop to the front of HQ, for more pictures, he invited us to lunch. Even Marvin our Marvelous Taxi Driver was in shock.

A couple of days later we were picked up at our Hotel and taken to Police HQ. There, we were given a fabulous tour of the building. It was built by the police officers themselves. It was impressive. The officers are quite proud of it. It is a tribute to their history, and their personal "special" relationship with each other.

Somewhere during this wonderful lunch, prepared by police officers, Sir Dennis was presented with a Plaque, and a book titled: The Story of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Now he, along with the Taxi Driver, was in total shock!

Once our Mr. Beyer was revived we took another set of pictures around a fabulous Christmas Tree. An Officer of each Rank stood side by side, forming a semi-circle in front of the tree.

The Officers stood at attention, proud to show the uniform that they wear in service with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. To further top the day The Commissioner made Sir Dennis an Honorary Inspector (which, fortunately, did not cause a cardiac arrest).

Words could not express the emotions that were felt that November 18th.

If all this was not enough two days later, we were dispatched to a an Encounter with The Dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island. This was amazing. This trip is truly one for the books. My birthday is on November 22. This experience was a great present and one that will always be remembered.

I can't thank Marvin Armbrister (1-242-4567517), who took me wherever I wanted to go while we were on Paradise Island. It was Marvin who let me twist his arm to drive into the back of the Police Dept. to ask just for a "handshake and a picture." While he was a little reluctant to go where it was marked "Police Vehicles only," I got him to put his concerns aside with my best island talk with the words, "Don't Worry, Have Fun."  Thank you Marvin (marvinarmbrister@hotmail.com).

The wife and I also acknowledge and thank Superintendent Stephen Deans for taking time, from his duties, to bring us to break bread with us, and have lunch with the Commissioner. Supt Deans also got us to see the Dolphins. The  Dolphin picture below is from the Encounters Photographer, on Nov. 20, 2013. That was an absolutely fabulous  day.

For this entire once in a lifetime experience, our thanks for the memories of a handshake, a salute, and our friendship, goes to one man in particular:  Commissioner of Police (COP),  Royal Bahamas Police Force,  Ellison Greenslade.

THANK YOU !

*****

UNION TOWNSHIP

The above case is the complete group of eight old issue badges from Union Township, NJ. As one can see I display them behind glass in a locking case.

The above shield was made for a "Special" Police Office and is numbered 548.

Above is an Old Badge for a
Detective, and   numbered - 6.

On the left is a Sergeant badge.

 To the right is a Lieutenant Badge. The condition on this item is not as good as I would like, but still is a keeper.


Below in a little better condition is a Captain's shield.

To the right is another Detective Badge that is numbered - 682







Below are two Patrolman Badges that I manged to collect over the years. One is in rough shape and has a number 5 at the center of the number box, while the one in better shape is numbered 100.

Wow all these pictures took up a lot of space. I almost forgot to write my mandatory bit about the community.

Union Township is next to Newark. It is not the same place as Union City. As its' name suggests it is a Township. It is probably best know as a residential community.

There are three major highways that make this a very busy community. They are Route 22,  Interstate 78, and the Garden State Parkway. Only 50,000 people exit these roads to join there families at night.

In Revolutionary Times this was the third settlement in New Jersey. Then it was called Connecticut Farms. There is a school with that same name, as well as a Church. They are located on one of the local roads dissecting the community. It is Stuyvesant Ave. I lived on that street, just beyond Union's border, some 45 years ago.

In the same area, but closer to Route 22, is a bowling alley. I used to go there when I was a tad younger. I recall some "singing group" tried to get a gig in the bar at this bowling alley and failed. Sitting in the parking lot, they decided a name change might help change their career. They took the name of the bowling alley - The Four Seasons.

As I check my display on the daily basis I am reminded of many memories including my wedding reception in Union Township exactly 46 years ago. Maybe these badges help with that, but none the less I am pleased to have them in my collection of memories.

ANOTHER GREAT FLORIDA SHOW: TITUSVILLE, JAN. 25, 2014

The Elks Club will host the Titusville Show on Jan. 25, 2014

This show, now in its 29th year, will be hosted by Steve and Karen Bridges.

Tables are $25. Contact Steve at: sbrides@cfl.rr.com

Room reservations should be made at Holiday Inn, Titusville, Fl. They are $79. per night. Ask for show room rate. Call 321-33-0200

This has always been a great show and promises to be the same again.

TRIMMING OFF BADGE COLLETION WITH CUFFS AND WHITSLES

I picked the club up in Orlando a couple of weeks ago. It was ideal for trimming off part of my museum.

Over the last few years I obtained some old hand cuffs, whistles etc. They were on "display" in a desk drawer. Now some of these items can be displayed using a coffee cup holder screwed into the business end of the club.

There was a good spot for it in "my" den, and I even let my wife find the spot to put it so she has some ownership in the collection. I thought I would share it before moving on to some other badges.

MUNICIPAL DISPLAY COMPLETED

DONE!

In September I wrote a piece about Wykoff and displayed the badge in the lower right corner. It is the last badge in this display case. I am finally done writing something about each item, and the community from which it comes. 

It took well over two years to complete, and actually there were some changes along the way. I covered those changes one way or another. I hate backtracking, and think I covered all fifty-five badges here. Above is a picture of the completed product.

In the future I will move on to other items in "my museum." Hope you enjoy looking and reading about these fine badges. 

If you are interested in sale or trade feel free to contact me at:  jerseychief@gmail.com

HEROES BEHIND THE BADGE

Representatives of the Documentary film "Heroes Behind The Badge" were present at the Orlando Police Collectors Show in September. The Show was held at the Rozen plaza hotel on September 14.

The film is being sold in order to help fund the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. 

To order the film go to: 

 www.heroesbehindthebadge.com 

Additional information may be obtained by calling 305-970-4898 or emailing: 

  bill@moderncityentertainment.com

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER FOLLOWS FAMILY TRADITION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

I had the honor of meeting Jason "Jay" Leman at the Orlando Police Badge and Patch Show on September 14, 2013.

Jason is now retired. He served for 34 years with the Seminole County Sheriff's Department. Over those thirty four years he had a lot of "Firsts".

He was an original member of the SWAT Team which is a great way to start one's resume. Then after earning a Masters Degree he also earned the full respect of his peers by being named Outstanding Officer of the year (1986).

His experience and education paved the way for part time work as an Associate Professor at Bethune-Cookman College. That is in Daytona Beach. That work put him in position of being two things in life that he never dreamed of: A Cop and A Teacher.

Jason is also a Father. With his wife Sandra, also an officer, they had a child who they named Tina.  As she pursued a teaching career there was no thought that she would ultimately be another "First " - A Motorcycle Police Officer.

Tina became a Cop in the City of Sandford, Fl. After spending a decade of doing her job she became interested in being a Cop on two wheels !

She displayed the proper amount of interest, took the courses, and passed the tests. She was subsequently assigned to the motorcycle unit of the police force and has been riding her Harley ever since.

Her "Firsts" and her work for fighting Cancer have been captured on the video "Behind The Badge." Her dad was quite proud. WE should all be proud of this young lady. She is a good person and an excellent Cop.

Of course before giving me the link he showed me a badge that he made up for sharing with other collectors. It is a traditional shape Sheriff's Star and in the top panel it reads: "SEDDEWUZZA" and on the next panel, of course, it reads DEPUTY SHRIFF.

Jay "kept the badge" he showed me, but did write down this link concerning Tina, and her fabulous career with the bike she loves to ride for the Sandford Police Department.  

The link is:  https://vimeo.com/64273437

ORLANDO 2013

Same Place, but a different story. The Rosen Plaza Hotel provided rooms, tables, and ambiance for the 2013 Patch and Badge Show hosted by Doug Sarubbi.

One hundred tables were sold. The room was filled with collectors from near and far. I was surprised, although I shouldn't be, by  the number of collectors calling Florida home.

Manny Ynestroza shared my zip code. He had a fabulous display of patches, and took up at least two tables to display them.  He had so many items he needed help to set them up, and carry them all home. The lady who helped, pictured below was Manny's wife Giselle Ynestro. She also helped bring home - The Best Display Award for 2013.

Around the corner from Manny was a beautiful display by Rick Amos. Rick has been a regular at this show. He has an excellent collection of West Coast badges.   To those of us in Florida this "West"

 means Pacific Ocean, not Gulf of Mexico.

The badges included a couple from Los Angeles, and San Diego. All were in great condition, and in a nice display box.

John Holmes had a nice corner where he took up several tables to display the fruits of decades collecting. He too is a regular at this show. His items included Canadian Mounted Police, and New York Police uniforms, batons, patches and badges. John was quite proud of a complete set of Hong Kong lapel badges.

Over in the center of the room was a display from "Heroes Behind The Badge."  They were here last year.  Again they made the trip to remind everyone of their documentary film. Proceeds in part go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

At other tables one could see a "Stinkin Badge," a collectible firearm, and yours truly holding court with my wife at our New Jersey Table. See you all next year.

MUNICIPALS: "W" IS FOR WYCKOFF

This is the final badge in my "Municipal Display." It is number 41 in alphabetical order. The "W" is for the Town of Wyckoff. 

 Wykoff is in North Jersey. It is semi rural or a residential community  I was surprised to learn that it is in Bergen County, NJ  I thought Morris County, but what is my point of reference? I only lived in the area 50+ years and never once went to Wyckoff.

The place sounds like an Indian Reservation. It wasn't, but the Lenape Indians did roam this area. The community possibly took its name,  stealing a word from the Lenape Indians.

The thinking is that the Indians had a word describing highlands and also water. The two words are: "Wickoff" and "Wickok".

There is a similar named community over in New York. Looking at that town I learned that it was named after a family with the last name Wyckoff. This family did have some roots in New Jersey.

I am sure that the Wyckoff Family only scared  our  Indians. The Jersey settlers took their name from the Lenape's, while the New Yorker's were making a real estate transaction for Manhattan.  Checking history I see New York  appropriated  the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island  from Jersey, not the other way around.

This happened because New York used a surveyor that had no idea what a straight line was, and, of course, because the Wyckoff Police did not exist. The police department came into being somewhere after 1926 when they Town was created.

The badge was one of the early designs. It reads: Wyckoff,  Police, and at the bottom is a number box filled with the numeral "3".

The design of this badge is like so many in my collection. It is what I call a traditional badge. I like the shape and have tried to fill my "Municipal Collection" with only that design.

I have done a pretty good job on meeting that goal of collecting only this design. I have had this badge for close to 25 years. It certainly meets the design criteria. I am proud to have it and regard as a "keeper" for sure. 

I look at it daily and think of those famous Jersey Lenape Indians. I also keep it safe, under glass, here in Florida, the land of the Seminole Indians.  

MUNICIPALS: "W" IS FOR WEST NEW YORK

This "W" is for West New York. It is the 40th badge in alphabetical order in my Municipal Collection 

I almost forgot this Town that looks over the Hudson River and New York's Upper West Side.  

It is just a tad over one square mile so it is easy to miss. Around 50,000 people call this Town their home. The certainly know their way home from the City across the river.

I know little about West New York other then it sits on the Palisades which is a series of cliffs that border the Hudson River. These Cliffs are a National Landmark.

In view of the height of the Palisades the local criminal must know there is no escape running East. The cliffs reach a height of 540 feet.

The local force has the North, South and East well protected. The origin of this Department can be traced to 1898, however town records regarding the police are rather vague  In 1900 Town records indicate that there were one "roundsman", One Sergeant, Fourteen Police Officers and an unknown Chief. 

The situation is different today. The officer have badges much newer than those in my collection. I have had this set over 20 years  and have preserved them in my large  municipal display.

The badge is a basic new Jersey shape and reads: West New York, and Police. The number box hold number "79."

In the center there is a stamped State Seal which is how many Jersey badges were made. While this item is believed to authentic I have some doubts.  In the early days I read about the Town Council looking for a seal for their police. I don't know if that ever took place. Like many municipalities the probably purchased a generic shape badge with the Seal already established as the center point.

 I am pleased to keep this set in my display. Like all my badges they make me feel good about collecting and conjuring up a few nice memories.