ORLANDO, THE VACATION CAPITAL, HOSTS POLICE COLLECTORS AT ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL

This is certainly a regular event for yours truly. I love the Show, but wish they could move Orlando closer to Naples.

Well after my ride up the Gulf Coast and then inland to Orlando the wife and I checked into the Rosen Plaza Hotel. These guys have been the regular hosts over the years, and they certainly are doing a good job for the exhibitors who took up Ballroom "B."

I took a couple tables and put out some of my Jersey Collection. I focus on Newark and tried to balance the display with a little of everything.

I had badges and patches, but that is what I always bring. I added some hardware, pictures and "paper items" that I have, for no other reason than, I like it. Take a peek at some of the better pictured items below. They include a "Stolen Car Report" from 1921,  a B>O>L>O> Card, with picture and finger prints, and an Electric Bill from 1896.

I also brought some unusual badges to put on display. Give a look at these non-police shields of authority. They are part of my "Unique Newark Items".  Back in the day if you messed around the "Inspector, Bureau of Streets," could grab your butt and turn you over to the "Foreman, Division of Sanitation" who in turn would drive you over to the "Plumbing Investigator" who would hose you down, before locking you up for the night in the care of the City "Stable Supervisor."

After making sure my items were arranged right, I left the wife in charge and told her, to have a good time and, only sell my Cleveland Lieutenant Uniform. Its pictured in here somewhere. You will have to hunt for it.  I went off to see some old friends and exhibitors.

Doug Sarubbi and his daughter were the hosts and Guardians of the Door. They checked my name off, as usual, and then sent me to my tables.

I stopped to chat with old friend  Chad from Jacksonville, and then onto Keith Bushey. There were more Collectors there and I gabbed as much as I could. While on the prowl, I met John Doran who is pictured below shaking hands with me. John is from Scotland. He was nice enough to allow a picture of his badge. It is marked "Semper Vigilo".

As I walked, I enjoyed all the exhibits and just talking about them, the history and that magnet that pulls us all together. It's special and I hope you all know what I am talking about.

Now take a look at some of the items I saw during my visit to the 2016 Orlando Police Collectors Show.

  

That Seal above, comes from a real important Office, in our good old USA. I understand that the current office holder was invited to view our Show, but had a prior date for golf,  and he would not be able to break away. That left Doug Sarubbi to call the names and make the presentations to this years winners. They are:

Best Badge Award went to Steve Srozinski for his eight table display of Jacksonville Police Department, Duval County Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Florida badges

        

                     

Best Patch Award went to George Manosis for his display of US Customs, DEA, Border Patrol and Foreign patches.

                        

                                      

Best Overall Display went to Jeff Peeler for his awesome display of Florida Highway Patrol badges, patches, photos, cars, license plates and memorabilia

The lucky winner of the patch drop with about 35 cool patches was Paul Goldstein

                                

This was a great show and we hope to see everyone again in 2017.