REMEMBERING FRIENDS

Another year has come, and gone. It's time to give a moment or two to remember friends and famly who have passed on. The above picture is of the "opening" of the N.P.D. Police Academy on 18th Ave. in Newark. It too has gone its way. It still holds many memories, so I thought I would share it here.


My first post remembering was in regard to the loss of a friend who was retired from Newark. Frank Donaghy was a badge collector too. He helped me with my collection, and other collectors as well.

Frank's grand-daughter drew the picture below. It makes a very nice memory. 

A couple of months ago I displayed a "Command Citation" awarded Frank for disarming a terrorist bomb attributed to the Puerto Rican Group known as "FALN." They made the newspapers along the Washington DC- Boston corridor way back in the 1970's. They just weren't called "Terrorists" back then, but they certainly do qualify. Frank told me the story of how He disarmed the pipe bomb. Glad he didn't run.

While I remember Frank, and my Dad, Herman Beyer, Det. NPD, I know there are many more names to note here. 2015 was a very bad year for those who carry a badge. I can only ask for a prayer and offer thanks.

KEN TOLER OFFERS NICE WEB SITE FOR COLLECTORS

I've been doing this "Blog Thing" for eight years now. I do it mostly for myself. I find it a neat way to chronicle the badges I have collected and put them into some sort of context.

As I look at each badge I found that they generated a memory for me. That turns out to be the greatest reason to continue. Some of these memories I share with PC News. You might want to check that paper out and perhaps my column: ""Collecting Memories."

I have also found that there are quite a few collectors out there that check this site on a regular basis. I can't tell you how good I feel when someone writes back to ask a question or two. Some even answer one of my questions.

One of the better calls I received was from some Sheriff in Oklahoma asking for some help identifying an old badge that was found in his County. Sure enough I recognized it in a nano-second. He was thrilled. He kept his badge, but sent me a patch. That's a good deal, and now it is a good memory.

Anyway, one of you recently wrote and, under no duress, acknowledged that he read and enjoyed this blog. Ken Toler, a fellow collector,  also shared his website, which you might find interesting. In turn I share it with you. The address and link are below.

sandiegobadge.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

At the tick of the clock we bring in another year. From here we wish all a great, and safe 2016

*****

UNITED AIRLINE POLICE

Here is an item, that I believe has escaped from my writings, but it has been one that I have always loved. I hung it almost immediately in a prominent location. It was up there w hen, I would hear that distress call from the wife in the kitchen, "Too Many Stinking Badges - Get Rid of Some."

I've been hearing that Battle Cry for 47 years now, but these badges are my hobby, they don't stink, and they're staying ! They bring me memories and that, of course, is what I collect.

Back to the badge. It was found in a Church sale. I remember the price too, $18. That was a fair price back then, and my birthday was near which made it look even better.

The badge was on a card with the notes "United - Newark."  I take that to be United Airlines. They were located in Newark way before the existence of the "New York and New Jersey Port Authority." That gives some age to this old badge.

It is a smart looking "Sunburst" design with an Eagle on top. The words on it are clear: "POLICE - U.A.L."  In the number box is # 53. To top it all off it is in excellent condition, just look at the picture.

I keep this one, certainly under glass, in "my museum" where I talk to it every day. Well, almost every day. I sure did today as its' my birthday again, and I said, "Thank You to my Wife" for buying it for me some thirty years ago. Now that's a nice memory and it fits quite well in the collection I keep. 

MOUNT UP AND RIDE!

The above picture (copy) was recently obtained. It is Newark Mounted Police leaving their Stable area.

My Dad also rode with the Mounted Squad around 1927. I have his picture on the horse named Ginger. That is it below.

Following a few years on "Mounted" my father moved to the new Newark Radio unit. At the time radio operators had to be licensed, and guess what? Dad had a license.

Over the years collecting badges I came across the unique badge pictured below. It was also from the Stables where Newark kept their Police Horses.  

This is a unique badge, but clearly a Newark item per its' markings and Seal. It may not be a "police" item as the badge is stamped "Dept of Public Works."  I have seen this design used once before by the same City Department.  It is a one of a kind. At least I have not seen another one like it.

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CLASSIC CAR RIDE TO AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME

Oct 3 (rain date Oct 10) is going to be an important day for all Law Enforcement Officers.

To promote a new initiative for wounded officers a Classic Car Show will put on stage by driving their antique cars from the Harley Davidson Store in Sandford, Fl. to the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville.

A Motorcycle Squadron will make sure the Classic Cars don't exceed speed limits  escorting them for the entire ride.

Cars may enter the event for $40 and Motorcycles will pay $25 per rider.

This Show and the wounded Officer endeavor is led by Peter Hernandez,  Founder & President. Peter is an active officer with the Windemere, Fl. Police Dept.

The group may be contacted through there web site shown below:

woundedofficersinitiative.org 

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ORLANDO SHOW 2015

The Labor Day Holiday causes two items to be marked on my calendar every year. First is the Orlando Police Badge and Patch Show. The second is my annual outing to Disneyworld (to please the wife). 

The Police Show is hosted by Doug Sarubbi, Sgt. Orange County Sheriff's Office. You all know who the host is of Disneyworld (My Wife). That's her watching over my Newark Emergency Bureau display.

My Lady covered the two tables that I took at the show, while I roamed the floor looking for items for my collection. She also helps as assistant photographer making sure to get a ton of pictures of my displays.

I got to stand behind the table for a couple of pictures. One was treasures from the Newark Emergency Bureau including pictures of Commanders from 1935-1955. That's me holding an old Delta hand held electric lantern. On the right side of my table was a couple pictures of my father and display cases of his old badges. Some of the pictures date back to 1929 - Father on Horse named Ginger.  

One item that brings back memories for me was the original Command Citation issued to Det. Frank Donaghy. He was a friend and a tremendous collector in his own right. Frank died a couple years back, but I am positive that He would be smiling at his Citation being part of this exhibit. Frank disarmed a bomb left by a terrorist group from Puerto Rico, known as the FALN. I also placed a few old hand restraints on the table, a clacker, a police lantern, and the night stick.

I enjoyed seeing the guys with their exhibits and some items for sale. I managed a couple additions, and turned down a couple too (the wife is checking the finance books so I have to be careful).

By time it came to packing up and heading out Doug was ready to announce winners.

In the category of Best Patch Display the winner was Gerard J. Van Der Ham of Brooksville, Fl. Helping Doug present the awards is John W. Holmes, who always has a nice display himself. In the background two of Gerard's beautiful patch presentations can be viewed.

The next award was for the Best Badge Display. George W Motley (below) was our winner. He collects Virginia badges, but also has a fine collection of US State Capital Badges. 

They save the best for last. It is the award for Best Overall Collection. The winner flanked by Doug and John, is Major Jeff Peeler, who serves in the area around Ocoee Fl (even the wife knows where that is).

Below are a few of Jeff's items that we managed to catch.  Enjoy them.

Congratulations to all winners and to all participants for making the 2016 Show another huge success. 

*****

MUNICIPALS; "S" IS FOR SOMERS

"S" is for Somers in my Municipal Collection.

I did not know much about this community when I purchased the badge at the Titusville Show several months ago. 

The price was right, and the shape was right. So I decided I wouldn't mind doing some research on this Town. All that I recalled about it, from my youth, was, this town was where Conway Twitty played in the late 1950's.

I loved Conway's song. "Its' Only Make Believe." I followed his career until his death in 1993. Unfortunately I never got to see him perform, but I did a catch a Lorretta Lynn Concert. She frequently did duets with Conway.

In Conway I missed seeing a great performer. With Lorretta, I got to see half the act. She did quite a good show.

Well now I have a nice badge to remind of two great singers from yesterday, and the Community of  Somers Point. On the badge the word "Point" is not there. I think this might have been a mistake.

I looked this community up  in Wikipedia and learned that it was created as a Borough in the late 1800's. Almost every community in New Jersey seems to have done that. Checking further I had a huge surprise. In 1902 Somers Point became a "City".

Finding that this badge, which simply reads Somers, Police number 11 comes from a "City," makes me quite happy. 

I will have these memories that I  come from this Community including the music from Conway Twitty, and one more for my NJ City display.

*****

INSPECTION TIME

Inspection Time.  Glad it didn't rain.

This scene comes from, believe it or not, 1906. I wasn't even born yet. In fact it was a while, a long while, before any thought of me was on anyone's mind.   

The picture though is History. Taken in 1906 it captures the force in their blues with gray high hats.

This location was an important spot for the City dating back to the 1600's. During my time, it was torn apart and dug up to build an underground parking lot. It was "progress."  Somehow I think the old way was better.  Enjoy the picture.

*****

A GOOD MESSAGE TO SHARE

MUNICIPALS: "C" IS FOR CLEMENTON

The above is a municipal badge that fit into my Municipal Collection in a very nice way. It brings this collection, which focuses on similar shaped Municipal (not city) badges, up to fifty-eight pieces.  

There are over 500 such communities in New Jersey. Cities are not included in this collection. While the focus is on those badges that have the "New York" look. It is not known how many communities used this shape.

During the early part of the year I was fortunate to obtain two badges from this community. I have placed one in the display  and sold the other.

Clementon is on the top row (3rd from right). Along with a couple other new badges I was forced to rearrange my five row exhibit into a six row display. It is due to my increasing the numbers in the collection now at fifty-eight.

The Town of Clementon was new to my ears. I never heard of the place, and realy had doubts that this was the real thing. I knew the seller so I was in a trusting mood when I bought it.  A quick check using my I phone told me Clementon was real.

History shows that Clementon "Borough" was created out of the larger (now defunct) Clementon Township in 1925. Maybe I will live to see the Community celebrate its 100th birthday. I'd be just a little older.

In its day there was a popular amusement park within its' borders that featured The "Jack Rabbit" Roller-coaster. It made it to the 21st Century, then gave way to progress. It was demolished in 2002.

There are roughly 5000 people in this Community by the Lake. They are reportedly happy as their dispositions are sweetened by a major candy producer (Giambri's Quality Sweets)) that resides there too. Sounds good to me.

Well the badge is something that I consider sweet too. It is obsolete, but in very clean condition.

This badge clearly is that shape that I like. It is also stamped with the State Seal at the center, and a number box at the bottom. In it is number 33. The letters "NJ" are stamped below the number box.

At the top are two panels that were proudly filled with: Clementon, and Police.  Step back twenty feet and you won't be able to tell this badge from any other my collection. Be that as it may, I am proud to have each one.

*****  

MUNICIPAL COLLECTION: NEW ADDITION NUTLEY

This is Nutley. It is an item I have in my municipal display.

I got this a few months ago at a show in Titusville, FL. The Gentleman had almost everything. At least he had a handful that I wanted, so a deal was made.

It is that standard shape that I like. Nothing fancy at all. Stamped from the rear, including State Seal, and State letters, N.J., at the bottom.  All that is needed to make it complete are words and numbers.

The panels on this badge have been stamped and enamel filled with the words: Nutley and Police.

At the bottom, the number "16" has been added to a box that could contain up to four letters. That's it! It is ready to go as another distinct, or not so distinct, municipal badge. It was a money saver for sure, and the design was used all over New Jersey and in other States as well. Just add your town and a number.

Most of these badges, regardless of the community, are obsolete. Even the replacement badges seems to have been retired like me decades ago.

Despite my retired status I still stretch the mind every now and then, and of course I remember Nutley, NJ.

It is a small town on the Passaic River, just a stones throw from glamorous Newark N.J. In today's world it is not a good idea to throw stones in Newark direction. They might shoot back. In the Old Days it might have been a different story, as Annie Oakley was a resident of Nutley. She knew something about shooting too. That's okay as my memories are vested in badges, and the one above, is one I am pleased to own, and have on display in my collection. Even Annie likes it.

 *****

ORLANDO SHOW ANNOUNCED

TO THE BADGE COLLECTING COMMUNITY,

The 2015 Vacation Capital Police Collectors Show will be held in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, September 5, 2015.  Make plans now to attend this fabulous show, and then spend the weekend enjoying the attractions.  Enjoy the sights of Orlando from the new “Orlando Eye”, Ferris wheel for a spectacular view of Orlando, 400 feet in the air. Or visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum or the SEA LIFE Aquarium.  New restaurants and attractions are all within walking distance from the hotel.  Book your hotel reservations early.Follow us on Facebook at 2015 Vacation Capital Police Collectors Show. Please feel free to pass along our flyer through your email contact list. Hope to See You There.

You're Show Host.

Doug Sarubbi

NEW ADDITION TO CITY COLLECTION: ATLANTIC CITY

Now, I thought the "City Collection" was done quite a while ago. Guess not, as I recently obtained this beauty at a badge show in Florida.

My first thought was, where am I going to place it. There just isn't much room in the display case I have, and there isn't any room on the wall for a bigger case (Just ask my wife).

I decided to do the old squeeze play.  That means I moved some smaller old detective shields closer making room for this ancient badge from Atlantic City, N.J.

The shape is quite common in NJ, and has become my favorite. The item is made in a generic form for various (several hundred) municipalities. A State Seal is stamped into the badge, along with the letters "NJ" at the bottom. When a community made a purchase, the agency name was stamped into the top panels. In this case the panels read "Atlantic City - Police." 

On the bottom of the badge is a number box. Normally numbers are added here, but not on this badge with rank. Instead there is a full panel that contains the word "Sergeant" in reverse blue lettering. As Sergeant Badges go, this one isn't very impressive, and looks like "all the others (Just ask my wife)." 

What makes this badge different, is what you can't see. Forget the shape, the stamped State Seal, and the identification panels. Forget the worn, black enamel filled lettering at the top. What makes this a badge of interest, for me, is it comes from a municipality designated to be a "City." Out of N.J.'s 500+ municipalities there are only 45-50 legitimate Cities. 

In addition this badge comes from New Jersey's  most popular tourist destination. It is well known through out the world for its gorgeous beach, Boardwalk, Steel Pier, and Casino's.

These facts are important. They make this addition to my collection very desirable and collectible  (Now where is my wife so I can explain all these facts)". 

Well without taking up any additional wall space I have placed this badge in my City Collection, where it is one of thirty-eight (38). As an "A" it rests near the top (The wife told me to alphabetize my collections, and I listened). It is in a nice oak case, under glass, with lock and key. I am quite happy to have it, as well as the fond memories I have from the Board Walk and yearly Conventions in Old A.C. 

LIEUTENANT, NEW ADDITION TO NEWARK COLLECTION

This is definitely a find. It is a Newark PD "Lieutenant's" Badge. This one is marked number 61.

This shape is the same as the Sergeant's badge, with identical stamped wording for: Police, and Newark, NJ.

The top panel is for the rank. The lettering here is recessed with enamel fill. The number box is made the same way.

This design was phased out during the 1950's. There were not that many badges made for N.P.D.'s Lieutenants, probably less then 100, so this item is quite rare.

I know this is a keeper and will place it with some other beautiful antiques from Newark - my old home town. Of course that was a century or so ago. There are many memories from "My City" and these badges make one or two flash in front of me as I make my daily check of what has become, after 45 years, one fabulous collection.

ANOTHER "UNIQUE" NEWARK ITEM

This is both old and unique. At first glance it looks like an old Sergeant Badge issued prior to 1957. It is in fairly decent shape considering its age.

What struck me first was the Seal located at dead center. It is most definitely the City Seal of Newark, NJ. The words: "Police" and Newark, NJ" were the next areas of this badge that jumped at me. They are stamped into badge shell and look exactly like the Sergeants shield.

The next sections are rather odd. At the top, and bottom are panels with blue recessed lettering. The top reads: "Asst. Chief Identification," and the bottom panel says, "Officer." Also sitting there is the number 6.

In the day Newark had a section called "R & I."   This was Records and Identification, and I believe it was staffed by police officers. This rank shield just might be something a civilian employee brought in when they were hired to do some of the work. I really don't recall that there ever was an officer tittle called Asst. Chief.

I suspect that when the current Sergeant's shield was introduced in 1957 some of the old badges became available and new titles suddenly emerged on the scene.

I thought this was certainly an unusual badge, so I put it with other items that I refer to as Newark "Uniques." It is a cool badge, and I am glad to have  it looking over my shoulder, where it tells me tall tales of my City a lifetime ago.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW

This badge is going in my Newark Unique Badge Collection. It is old. It is in pretty good condition. It is definitely cool. 

Leave it to Newark to have issued a badge for the "Telephone Operator." That is just what they did. From the looks of it this item dates back to the 1930's.

It is a badge that is built over a Sergeant or Lieutenants badge. The necessary changes were accomplished by adding two panels to the original version of the badge. The top new panel reads "Telephone" and the bottom "new" panel reads "Operator." The number 22 is also picked up on this panel.

The sections of the badge that read "Police" and "Newark, NJ" are part of original badge. The letters are stamped into position from the rear.

In the center of the item is a Seal from the City of Newark. It looks to be set on the badge prior to plating.

This particular shape badge was rendered obsolete in mid 1950's.

Little else is known about it, but it seems worthy of display. I think I will keep it, along with the other 28 unique items from Newark.

TITUSVILLE 2015

The wife and I did the Titusville Show on Jan. 24. It was held, once again, in the Elks Club. There was plenty of room, and some 80 tables were taken up by Displays.

After writing articles for PC News for several years now, I finally got to meet Mike Bondarenko the Publisher of the paper. We enjoyed a very nice chat near the end of the show, and the good news is, I wasn't fired. There was more good news; He will write the report for the paper. Maybe he'll pick out some of my thoughts or use a picture or two.

I like taking pictures, almost as I like collecting badges.

 The young man above is Chad Harris. He has been attending shows for years, and helped me a few years ago with a nice badge from Newark. Chad works in Jacksonville which explains why he had all those badges from the UK. Naturally he won Best Badge Display.

That me, Dennis Beyer. I am showing that I still am the best dressed guy in town with my multi colored shirt and display of old Newark NJ badges

John Holmes is pictured below with his fine collection that he has been hiding from the wife, but she has now put the law down - "Get rid of some things - talk to me". That is one thing you can always do at these shows is talk to John.

Rick Amos is another man that is always at the shows. He is standing behind his fine collection of badges from California. He also had a beautiful .44 cal magnum and ID for Dirty Harry.

This fine gentlemen is Glenn Russell who was caught at a table with some interesting law enforcement items.

This fine man is Det. Doug Sarubbi. He not only attends these shows, He usually wins. This year was no different. Doug won overall Best Overall Display.

Below is Steve and Karen Bridges. They host the Titusville Show. Steve is retired from the Titusville P.D.

Sitting at his table, holding court, is Sam Goldstein, retired West Palm Beach Sheriff's Sergeant. He too is at all the Florida Shows, and this year negotiated a fine badge to add to one of my NJ displays.

This young lady is Renee Dixon. She was pictured with some of many patches she had at her table on display or for sale. 

ANOTHER YEAR GONE, SOME GAINS IN 2014

The year 2014 was pretty good, although I still have not obtained the Newark Star that sits on top of this post.

Below is the primary collection - Newark. It certainly has grown. It was the key to two trophies in 2014. That made the year fantastic.

In the center of the Newark case I have nine treasures. They cover the middle of the collection. The old hat badge, number C-93, is just outside the main focus, on the left perimeter. It is part of a rare matching radiator set for the rank of Chanceman.

Featured in the middle are two second edition badges, four old Detective Badges, and an older Sergeant shield.

Completing the perimeter (left, right, top) are eight "Old  Ovals." They are in number order going from another number 93 (Right corner) to a high 700 (Left corner). 

I feel good about having these hat badges. They are very collectible. They look nice surrounding my treasures, but I just might have to get a bigger display case in 2015 if I get another "treasure."  That would be a nice addition this year.

If I ever get the "Star" I guess I will have to get a much bigger display case. Maybe it should be displayed alone. Hope I can figure that out in 2015. 

Well in 2015, with your help, I will acquire that Newark Star. While I wait for it I will keep telling you about the remainder of the collection.