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.