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 !

*****