GEORGIA TO HOST PATCH & BADGE SHOW IN NORMAN PARK

4th Annual

Southeast 

Patch & Badge

Trade Show

NOVEMBER 11,  2017

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

NORMAN PARK

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

249 W. WEEKS ST.

NORMAN PARK, GA.

Call (229) 873-0278  or 769-3611

(Norman Park PD)

Registration Fee   $15.  per Table


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ORLANDO SHOW IS ANOTHER SUCCESS

Doug Sarrubi, and his "Partner " John Holmes, have once again staged another successful "Badge and Patch" Show. The Orlando Show was held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Florida's number one Vacation Location. That's Doug and John guard Ballroom B.

This year my Grandson, Cameron accompanied me. I told him it would be fun, and we would go to the Space Museum after the show. The truth is I needed help beyond the Bionic Improvements that let me move. Cam's primary job was to walk the floor and sell this fine Cleveland Police Coat. That's us below with the fine coat that, sad to say "I Still Own."

We had a few tables set up for my Exhibit. The wife, Lois,  and I placed our displays against the Starboard Wall of The Ballroom. I felt like I was in the Movie Business, being a Producer and Director. Can you hear me softly saying: "Put that over on the first table,  move those floor panels, be careful with that display case!." When we were finished, Cecil B. DeMille gave us a nice thumbs up. 

For the first time I  displayed a huge show case of those popular old badges that every Police Force used at one time or another. In this case I have 60 badges of every thing but Newark. A lot of the guys liked it which certainly made me happy. Next to it is a display of the Top Ten Cities (by population). Take a look below.

There were about 100 people showing and selling items at the various tables this year. That's a fabulous turn out. As usual I took my camera and snapped some pictures of those displays that caught my eye.

Just a few tables away from my exhibit was my old friend Chad Harris of Jacksonville PD. This year he had an awesome collection of items from the Jacksonville Sheriff, as well a New Orleans Display he created "for my wife."  He added some military memorabilia to insure his claim to be the Winner of BEST BADGE DISPLAY at this years Show. Here is our proud young Man - Chad Harris, with his wife and our Show Sponsors.

As I strolled around the crowded floor, leaving my display in the trusty hands of my wife Lois, and the Kid, I saw some wonderful items that I just had to take a picture of for memory sake. Here are a couple that "I just happened to like". I hope you guys enjoy these pictures.

The man pictured above should look familiar. It's Dick Tracy the famous Detective from decades ago. He sure looks good !  I let his nose point me in the direction of another great Display.

Pete Reid is of Bushnell FL. He is a long time attendee of this Show. This year he wowed everyone with big displays from: Maine, New Jersey; and the Illinois State Police. I was impressed with the NJ Sheriff's Badges. Pete's display was so great it won him the honor of being the winner of "THE BEST PATCH" display. Below is the picture of winner Mr Peter Reid. Holmes and Sarubbi are right there too.

 

I walked further through the displays and saw what looked like the wall of an Antique Store. It had everything that was old, that was hard to find, and that was just plain treasure.

The man that owned this massive display was Jeff Peeler of St Cloud, FL. He has a primary interest in Florida Highway Patrol. As a Major he might have good connections with this agency. Bottom Line Major Peeler is the Winner of the "BEST OVERALL DISPLAY." He was hard to find for a picture, but my friends in the Blue shirts caught him. Take a peek below.

This years Show, as in the past held a Patch Drop for interested collectors. The Winner, who received 40 patches, was Robert Popik from Lakeland Fl.  Unfortunately Bob was not available when I took the pictures of the Winners.

Well your writer left the Show and headed back to home (With one diversion) in Naples Fl. to check on a girl named Irma. Fortunately she was nice enough to spare my home, my collection, and my wishes to see everyone next year.

TOP COP COLLECTION: BERLIN

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BERLIN is the third badge in my "TOP COP COLLECTION."

This has been in my possession for over 30 years, but off the radar as a collectible until now. With the creation of my "Top Cop display this Berlin Borough Public Safety Director finally has a place to be displayed.

The history of this Borough dates back to Pre-Revolutionary times. It was situated on New Jerseys West Side, between Camden and Philadelphia. Those cities were the population locations then and now. Today there are roughly 7500 people in this community, which officially became a borough in 1927.

A good deal of this community is rural, wooded, and wet lands. The residential section has mainly Victorian homes that have been restored, or just well kept. Looks like a nice place. A bit too far for me to have any memories. Maybe I'll ask Kelly Ripa who once upon a time lived here.

Now to the Badge. Not a common shape for NJ badges. There is an Eagle on top with its' wings spread looking down on a wreath that trims a big circle. Inside is a large ring, and two panels,  The State Seal is at center point and dates back to the 1930's.

Looking first at the Seal, one will see this is a blue ringed seal. It gives one an idea of the age of this badge. It was probably applied to the badge between 1930 and 1960. A close look reveals that it is in excellent condition.           

Next look at the panels. The top reads Deputy Director, and the bottom reads NJ. Last the ring. It reads: Public Safety; Berlin Borough.

As noted above I have found a nice place for this badge in my new "TOP COP Display. I get a peek at it every day hanging proudly, under glass, on the wall facing my desk. I'm Proud to have them all.