FRIENDS REMEMBERED

Another year has come, and gone. It's time to give a Moment or Two to Remember Friends who have passed on. Yet one way or another, they are still with us.

It has been a few years since one of my Friends answered His Last Call. His grand-daughter drew the picture below. I have published it before, and continue to think it is a nice gesture,  so here it is once again

In addition to this Officer, there are Others  who have passed away in 2018. They leave Us, and their FAMILIES Behind, but They will always be Remembered.  

Miss you guys!

TOP COP COLLECTION , - MORRIS PARKS # 14

*****

This Badge is a relic from the past. I am not sure if the agency still exists. It lives today as a member of my TOP COP COLLECTION.

I double checked my count on the Badges in this Display, and this "is" Number Fourteen (14). It's that "alphabet" that gets my number count confused at times, but that doesn't mean I have Alzheimer Disease. I'll be doing a new post in a few weeks for number 10, which I omitted previously. This correction really means I don't have alzheimer's Disease.

This quality shield is the same model or shape as the New York City "Captain." This one is marked, on three panels from top to bottom: Park Police, Morris County, and CHIEF.

The letters are recessed with black filled enamel. There is a multi color N.J. State Seal at Center point. It hasn't aged a bit. 

Over all this Badge is in very good condition and, certainly enjoys a nice home in my "Top Cop Collection."

TOP COP COLLECTION: MAGNOLIA

This beautiful badge comes from the Borough of Magnolia, NJ. It is the Thirteenth (13) Badge, in alphabetical order, in what I have named, as my:  TOP COP COLLECTION.

To start with, like most of you, I never heard of this community. I had to look it up to learn some of the basics. It is in Camden County. It is less then one square mile. It has a population well under 5000. And yes, it was named for the "magnolia trees" that grow in this area.

Its' roots can be traced to 1685,  and 200+ years later it became incorporated as the Borough of Magnolia. 

My research reveals that there was/is a Police Dept. When I purchased this item the seller believed that the police agency was Defunct.

I thought, that as Camden County goes, being generally poor with budget cutbacks  eliminating some of their police agencies, that I better locate this Badges' Home. Well, as I thought, there was a MAGNOLIA POLICE DEPT.

The Badge pictured above belonged to a former CHIEF of the Department. Sadly, I was told, He passed away, and his Badge entered the Collectors World.

Lets take a look at this fine specimen. It is quite unique. I have never seen this shape, with its' cut outs, and fine engraving. Look at the panels. they are Black with Gold lettering. At center point is a modest N.J. State Seal.

Today I have it, with other "Chief Badges," in my Top Cop Collection. It is under glass, and in a nice oak case, with double locks that definitely work very well. I ALSO pay my Burglar Alarm  Bill, when it arrives, so I am sure this Beautiful Badge is very safe.

FORSYTH, GEORGIA: "2018 PUBLIC SAFETY COLLECTORS SHOW"

FORSYTH, GEORGIA:  "2018 SOUTHEAST PATCH AND BADGE COLLECTORS SHOW."


I took the wife along for a short ride to Georgia with a promise that on the way home we would stop and visit a major attraction in Florida. We left on Friday, Nov. 2nd, up I-75, for the Big Saturday Show in Forsyth.

I planned on pulling into the Holiday Inn after a 7.5 hour drive. I could do that, so I thought. I let the Wife drive after a couple of hours, so I could stay fresh, and complete this short drive on time.

Somewhere above Tampa a few drops of rain hit the windshield. I thought "Bad Omen." It only took a few minutes of heavy downpour for the wife to advise, that she could not see the road. I couldn't see it either. She pulled over, and we waited, and waited, and waited.

When the rain appeared to slow we made some moves, changing seats, inside the car that would make a teenager proud! We were set to finish our short ride into Forsyth. It only took Ten Hours.

The next Day, I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy it was to drop off and set up displays. We took two tables this year, and I decided to bring just Old Newark Items. I included quite a bit of what I like to call "Paper." For the most part, I did that because it lightened the load I had to carry both in and out of the Show.

There was another reason I brought a lot of "paper." One item had a Major Connection to my Genealogical Roots. The document was a "Year End Payroll Order" for the Newark Police Department. It was for the year 1872 which makes it real old.

This Order was signed by the Chief of Police - William B Glasby.
There were six total pages and each page contained some very important information. First was the Name of Each Police Officer receiving a pay check for the Month of December 1872. Second was a column that showed the Number of Days worked for this particular Month. The Third major column revealed the Officer's Salary per Day. The Fourth showed the Total Monthly Salary due each officer. Can you believe a monthly pay of: $85.25 The picture below shows how I placed this document, along with a biography of Chief Glasby.

The document itself, is in excellent condition. It is quite valuable in terms of the information it contains. You can determine exactly how large the police force was; who the officers specifically were; what the daily pay rate is; and how many Sergeants are in the Table of Organization. 

I was particularly impressed with the first Sergeant named - Herman W. Beyer. God that was my Fathers' name. This man was either my Great-Grand Father or Great Uncle. That information just warms my heart. It would be nice if we could have just a simple  conversation regarding the Streets of Newark.

Now I brought a number of Old Badges and other Documents to show off. The Two Badges, pictured below have some family ties too. They are almost identical shields. Both are from The Old Newark Police Marching Band. Membership included men from the Fire Department, as well as the Police Department.

Because there were Two Departments, there were Two Badges. Check them out - one reads "FIRE" and the other reads "POLICE."  I know these Facts, because My Father was the Last Commander of the Police Band, when it suffered budgetary elimination in 1954.

Just down the aisle from my display was John Mazzola, a real nice guy. He told me he was from Carrollton, Ga. He had a Big Smile. I thought to myself:  "He's a local and he didn't have, half the drive that I did. No wonder He is smiling !"  John sold me a Badge from  New Jersey, so I quickly forgot about that "local" thing. That's John below:

Across from my table was a Collector who liked badges from Nevada. That would be Dennis Daniels. He attends these shows on a regular basis. He traveled further then I did, and he had a Real Big Smile. 

I didn't get any Badges from him, but we swapped stories. Dennis told me about the extended trip he is currently doing, with his Family. Forsyth is just one stop on his itinerary. That's Dennis below.

When I attend these Shows, I like to walk the floor, and not only look for something to buy, but to see if I know anyone. I struck Gold. There were several Old Timers, and one real nice young Lady. I'll tell you about her later, but for now focus on The Man In Blue. That's  Gary Taragawa. He is actually examining an old lantern on "my" Display Table. You will note that Gary is also smiling. He had an even bigger smile when his name was called for The Best Badge Display. He stands with his plaque awarded to him by Elton Rosser and U.S. Marshal John Cary Bittick.

Now, The Young Lady that I talked about above, is Regina Fauro. I didn't know her, and never would have met her, had I not decided to do my stroll around the floor. You will note she had another nice nice smile.  She and her husband Joe had many law enforcement items for sale. The Lady even made me buy a couple of shirts and a hat. That's her below.

As I walked further I kept finding happy faces with good smiles. The men below are Sgt. Pete Reid (retired), and Marcel Jojola (retired multiple occasions). I usually see Pete at most of the Shows. He was originally from my old home State - New Jersey. Pete is picture below. The man in the Cowboy Hat has served five separate communities in California as Chief of Police. His business card identifies him as "Chief of Police Emeritus State of California." Hats off to you Marcel. What a career.

Well, as I huffed and puffed, I heard Elton announce that there was an Award to be Presented. I stopped and watched as Hal Daniel  shook hands with Elton and Marshal Bittick. You can tell He is quite Happy, standing with a Great Big Smile holding his Award for having The Best Patch Display.

The final award, for Best Overall Display, was presented to Dennis Beyer. He is the man in red, standing below, between Elton and Marshal Bittick. With this very Meaningful Award in hand your author was able to muster up The Biggest Smile in Forsyth. I didn't complain once on the short ride home, and I added many new friends and Memories to my Collections. I certainly appreciate the Award, and the conversations with Elton and Marshal Bittick.

Congratulations to all participants in this years Show, and special thanks to Elton Rosser for organizing it. Plans are underway for another Show in 2019 around November.

FAMILY HISTORY - 1872 - NEWARK POLICE PAYROLL

It's not always about "Badges." Sometimes you find something else that, is from a particular Police Dept, that you know belongs in your collection. To that end, I have obtained the above documents.

The documents are, in my Humble Opinion, in pristine condition. There are no tares, folds, or stains. The writing is clear and legible. It has five total pages. Together they form THE "Payroll Order" for the Newark Police Force in December of 1872.

On the fifth page is the signature of William B. Glasby, Chief of Police. That signature makes it official and is an order to pay 130 Officers their salary for the month. 

The order reveals the entire Police Department spent $130,000 for an entire year. Not Bad, but that was big money back then.

Of particular interest to me, and one that motivated me, to buy this document, was a name on page five. The name was Sgt Herman Beyer. 

He is probably my Fathers' Grandfather or possibly Great Uncle. The exact relationship is a mystery, but it has been established that several Beyer's were members of the Newark Police Dept.

Looking at the names of the Officers on the Document, I was impressed with the hand writing (looked like mine). Also Noting just the Last Names,  I thought I "knew" some from my days growing up in Newark.

My father,  Det. Herman Beyer, retired in 1969 and passed in 1974. I am sure he would loved to see this Order, and he just might know how Sgt. Beyer of 1872 fit on my Genealogical Chart.

To me this is a real good find as far as Law Enforcement Memorabilia goes. The "Payroll Order" sure fits with my Badge Collection, but the genealogical issue, adds to my level of interest in this document. I Certainly will be protecting this document as well as proudly displaying it.

RARE NEWARK BADGES OBTAINED BY THIS COLLECTOR

Take a look at these "Twins." Nice Curves. Starry Eyes. Golden Finish. These fine specimens are from the 1920's-30's and are not common in the Badge Collector's World.

Lets look at the badge on the left. It is a standard issue Newark Sergeant Badge of the 1920-30 time frame. She shows her age a little, but has no heavy duty scratches, or blemishes.

She is stamped "POLICE, NEWARK, NJ," from the rear, so the letters are raised on the front side. At the Center is a distinctive City of Newark Seal.

Looking closer at this badge you will see a panel that was affixed to the top of this badge. It is stamped so the word "SERGEANT" appears, with recessed black enamel filled letters. At the bottom is the number "106". I think the enamel has been re-touched; it was that way when I purchased it.

Now lets look at the Second Badge. Although it is on the same body as the Sergeant's Shield, the panels are quite different. The first panel reads "SERGEANT STENOGRAPHER." The lower panel carries the number 1. This Badge is unique; I have never seen another.

I have seen similar badges from Newark. Two that I own are for: "Telephone Operator," and "Asst. Chief, Identification Bureau." 

One Newark Stenographer found some fame for just doing his job. It was on October 23, 1935 that F. J. Lang, a Police Stenographer, was called to take down the last words of Arthur Flegenheimer, a.k.a. Dutch Schultz.

Given the History of Mr Lang and the infamous Dutch Schultz, I wonder if He could be the Stenographer that was issued the Badge I now own. The answer remains a mystery, but the badge has become an item I value quite a bit.

TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF

TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF

*****

Leonia is in Bergen County, N.J.  It is number Twelve in my TOP COP COLLECTION.

This Community is only a few minutes away, except during the morning rush hour, from New York City. Then it takes days to get over the George Washington Bridge.

When it is time to go to work the population of roughly 9000 sees itself drop to near ghost town numbers. There are only a few souls left in the community. The kids are present along with their teachers. Also present is the Leonia Police.  

The Cops do a good job, keeping this community safe. Even though this is a safe place to live, it also has a horror tale in its' history. An infamous Shoe Maker, and his thirteen year old son, put Leonia on the map almost fifty years ago. The exact date was Jan. 8, 1975.

"The Shoe Maker," was one Joseph Kallinger. He gained entrance into a home  by pretending to be an Insurance Salesman. Once in the house he subdued all occupants, and then waited for other family members to return home.

Maria Fasching , age 21, was the final person to come into the house that day. She was a Nurse, and stopped in to make a routine check on a neighbor. She found utter horror that day. The young woman didn't cave in to the threats of her captor. She held her ground. She boldly confronted Kallinger. She died for her efforts. 

A surviving witness stated that Miss Fasching, "admonished Kallinger for his aberrant behavior."  He admonished her by cutting her throat. 

Kallinger was eventually captured in Pennsylvania. He drew a 40 year sentence for his crimes in that State. While institutionalized the crazy-man repeatedly verbalized a desire to "kill every person on Earth."  As an inmate he somehow got lighter fluid and poured it over himself,  lighting it, and then tried to "fry an egg on his head."  I'll have mine well done !

I am glad this "Shoemaker Story" is not an every day event in Leonia.  I am also very glad to have this old shield from their good community. It is very simple, and traditional. It simply reads: Leonia  Police Department. The rank panel reads: CHIEF.

Like the others in this Collection I keep this Badge in a locked Display Case. I see it every day, and it triggers the memory of that horrible day fifty some years ago.

"FOR THEIR VALOR" - ORLANDO LUNCHEON FOR NY HEROES DEC 8 2018

TOP COP COLLECTION: LINDEN

Continuing with my "Top Cop Collection," this is the Eleventh badge that has reached its' way to my little museum down here in Sunny Florida. It is from Linden, somewhere in my Old Home State of  New Jersey.

I felt like an explorer looking for this dot on a map of Jersey. I always do that to see if it makes something "pop" in my memory files. Nothing happened !

As I was hunting around the internet, my wife came into my Den. I shot her a quick question, to derail whatever was on her mind saying: "Have you ever heard of Linden?" She replied, "Yeah, sure," and remained at my desk.

Seeing this beautiful badge she said, "Where did you get that one." I told her,  "I got it from another collector, at a show up in Orlando,  a few years ago."

She still wanted me to do something. I could just sense it. I continued to hold her off by saying: "Look at the silver toned eagle sitting on a standard Jersey shield finished with a gold tone."  Standard yes, but uniquely different at the same time.  I said, "Beautiful isn't it ?"

I moved my fingers to the N.J. State Seal. I pointed out the silver toned wreath under the Seal and remarked: "I have never seen anything like it." Along with bold blue lettering. this badge was impressive. I stared at it wondering, what great tales about Linden would I soon unearth. I also kept  wondering about what was on my wife's mind. My questions would soon be answered.

Sure enough, the wife allowed herself to get free from this badge, that somehow had captured her heart. (Yeah, I don't believe that either). She announced: "Don't forget tomorrow. You are taking my mother to the doctors!" 

Her Mother recently moved, to our little house, in the "Lightning Capital of the World" from, "Yup," Linden, N.J.  Maybe I was trying to forget that little dot on the 
map !

My mumble was quite clear, "Yeah, I know about your Mothers' Doctors appointment." I rubbed my eyes, and suddenly I got hit with "de ja vu" all over again. That means, I "Remembered Something Big" about Linden, N.J.  It was the "Big Explosion at the Oil Refinery." I put the badge down and started googling.

I read that this was a "Major Disaster." It took place in late 1970. The Blast woke every single person in Linden, Neighboring Communities, and 40 miles up the Hudson River. It was The Bayway Refinery, that around 11:00 PM, had exploded !  It caused  flames to soar 100' into the air. They were seen for miles in both New York and New Jersey.

Linden Police spearheaded a Response that included both Police and Fire contingents from all local Stations, Neighboring Communities, Staten Island, as well as Manhattan.  

The Police closed off all incoming traffic and helped move the injured to local hospitals. They patrolled the business area, looking for looters, as well as working the scene of this Disaster.

Reports indicated that there were numerous injuries, but apparently no fatalities. That was amazing. Somebody was watching over Linden, The Workers at the Bayway Plant, and the fine members of their Police Department that night. Thank God.

With that last thought I'll put this fine badge back, in its locked oak and glass display case, and find a quiet spot to put the rest of my day in serious thought.  I resurrected some memories, that will come to mind when I see this badge in my collection.

And yes, I remembered to take my mother-in-law to the doctors'. I can end this story knowing She remains in good health. 

I have a Beautiful Collectors Item with this Badge, and most important, I am not in any trouble with the wife, until I find another old badge.

  

CORRECTION: GEORGIA PATCH AND BADGE SHOW

ATTENTION  COLLECTORS


The telephone number given for Holiday Inn Express, as reported in PC NEWS, is incorrect.

The correct number is  478  994-9697

ORLANDO - POLICE BADGE AND PATCH SHOW

byDennis Beyer with Doug Sarrubi

Oh my God. Has time passed ever so fast. I can't believe I traveled all the way to Orlando, AGAIN! The fact is, I did do it AGAIN. That means another year has passed, and it was time for the 2018 edition of the "Vacation Capital Police Badge and Patch Show."

On arrival I immediately spent a few minutes with John Holmes and Doug Surubbi. Once again they are the Hosts for the Show. They were quite busy, so I went about my business, and set up my display.

I took a couple tables this year, and brought only items relating to my Newark Police Display. I usually focus on that part of my collection anyway, so this year, I just made it a "tad smaller."

I have been collecting over 50 years! I have some cool old items, as well as some items that I call, Unique. That means, the Badge was for someone other then a police officer. You would be surprised at all the different titles there are. Some day I plan to show "all my uniques."

Just a few weeks ago I added aone-of-a-kindBadge that has a unique title. I took it to Orlando just to show it off. It was made for a Sergeant Stenographer.  The finish is gold fill on a badge typically used for a Newark Sergeant during the early 1900's. To complete the markings on this rare item, is the "number one" at the bottom, with "POLICE and NEWARK" flanking The City Seal. Take a look.

After I got my Displays set correctly on the tables, I let my wife "guard" them so I could walk the floor of the huge Ballroom. It was set for 100 tables. The room was packed, and deals were being made.

During my walking tour, I said, "Hello," to several members of our great Hobby. I even managed to purchase "thirteen badges" for my collection.The Pequannock Chief, below, was just one of my "finds" at this year's Show.

Well that's enough on my interests. There were a number of displays to see. I managed to see all the exhibits, and talk with a few old friends. Let me show you a couple of the Exhibitors with their prized badges and patches.

First all participants of the Show are greeted outside the Ballroom by the lovely Megan who for the last few years has been helping her dad, Doug Sarrubi with the Registration Table.

Inside the Ballroom were nearly one hundred people. I walked through the masses clicking a picture to share every so often. I caught some Table Holders by surprise. Below are two examples of people enjoying the Show.

This man has a cool collection of Challenge Coins

People looking at exhibits.

Moving around the floor I found John Radcliffe who was holding down a few tables next to my display. John showed off this nice collection of Patches from Pinellas County, Fl. He also had a neat decal from Pittsburgh Pa.

Around the corner from John,  a collector  displayed Philadelphia Officer's Badge, ID, Gun, and Blackjack. The display was originally owned by Sgt. Robert Olley. He was a Detective with the Philadelphia Police Dept.

After moving on, I saw Veteran Collector Rick Amos. He is always here. He told me he was enjoying the Show, and then added He found a nice old Los Angeles Police Badge. This made him quite happy. That purchase is going to be a nice addition to his, already impressive, "L.A. Collection." This might be the biggest "find" of the Show.

Before my feet got overwhelmed from walking, I managed to click some pictures to share. Here are a few presented in random order from various displays.

    

The display that really caught my eye is the last one pictured above. The light blue paper alerts visitors that "All Badges for Sale." The large white paper advises that these are Presidential Inauguration Badges. These Inauguration Badges represent one Badge for everyyear that a Badge was ever issued. The little white paper on the table establishes the price -- $18,000. Simply fabulous!!!!!!

The U.S. Capital Police and Inauguration Badges were featured at a couple of different displays. I must say they were all super attractive. 

At the conclusion of the show awards were given. CONGRATULATIONS to all Winners, and Our Thanks to Doug Sarubbi, and John Holmes for a job well done!

JEFF  PEELER   

BEST PATCH

Left/Right  Ron Barthalome, John Holmes, Jeff Peeler, and Doug Surrubi 

 

LEWIS SURREY       

BEST BADGE

Left/Right John Holmes, Lewis Surrey, Ron Barthalome, and Doug Sarubbi

GEORGE MOTLEY

BEST OVER  ALL

Left/Right  Ron Barthalome, Keith Bushey,  Doug Sarubbi, John Holmes. and Meghan Sarubbi

RON KUCH

PATCH  DROP WINNER

Doug Sarubbi, Ron Kuch and John Holmes                             

A New "Donut Hole Award" was presented for being the"Coolest Persons" at this years' "Vacation Capital Show." The winners are pictured with Doug Sarubbi, with his daughter MEGAN; John Barthalome, and John Holmes.

DON'T FORGET ORLANDO SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 1 ST.

Hey Readers I hope you don't forget the big show coming up on Sep. 1.

It will be held at the ROSEN PLAZA on International Drive.

My sources say the show is "Sold Out" with over 100 tables set to fill the room. I reserved a couple early on to make sure I got a nice spot. I have even bribed my Grand Son to help me out.

I hope to see some old badges, and new faces. Bring a smile and get one back. Take care Guys.

A BELT BUCKLE FOR A BIG MAN

It took a big man to fix this on his belt and get out there and march. I think it was for protection too.

This old buckle is 4" by 3". It weighs a ton. I'm using it today as a "paper weight" and it is doing a superb job.

It was not made, however to be a desk jockey holding correspondence at bay. The original task, that it was made for, was holding the officers' pants in the up position.

I have been told that it was part of the Dress or Parade Uniform, and that it is made of pewter.

Further I was told that this buckle came from 1880-1910 time frame. That is not offered as a fact. I simply don't know its history. It is marked: POLICE DEPARTMENT; CITY OF NEW YORK.

If you are an expert on these buckles, send me a note, and I'll add your information, or if you would like to purchase it, as the saying goes, Make Me An Offer.

Email:  jerseychief.gmail,com

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM

Auxil Benevosoc occasionally sends me information regarding "His City." That would be New York City or the Big Apple as locals call it

Having served in NYC Auxil has an interest in Law Enforcement memorabilia. During his searches he often uses this site which you too may find interesting. Here it is:

www.nypdhistory.com

Leave it to New Yorkers. They clog roads and tunnels like it s a sport. That can be quite frustrating, but not info on the City Police.  You will be pleasantly surprised, even if you guess, about the number of sites available. Check this one out if you are picking something out of the air: NYC Police

Hope you enjoy the info that comes your way.

TOP COP: HOBOKEN CHIEF OF DETECTIVES

This  Beauty is the Ninth badge    of the: TOP COP Collection.      It is  from   Hoboken, N.J.          

This item certainly brings back many memories for me. Maybe even you have some memories from Hoboken. After all it is a famous town, here in the USA. Its' roots can be traced back to Henry Hudson who anchored "The Half Moon" at its shoreline in the early 1600's. 

Some of you may argue that it is the home of  "professional" baseball. There is a monument at 11th,  and Washington Street, that marks the location of Elysian Fields where baseball traces its roots.

If you have an interest in music then Hoboken will be recognized as the home of Frank Sinatra.  As I understand it, his childhood home is gone, but there is a brass marker on the Monroe Street sidewalk marking "Old Blue Eyes' Home."  

As a kid I often rode the ferry from Hoboken's Waterfront to New York. Later in life I took the local train to the last stop - Hoboken. There a million people change trains and go into the Big Apple.

My daughter chose the train from Hoboken into the City. She even found her own apartment there (leaving me her lease car, and payments) and joined her gang traveling daily to Wall St for work. That changed on Sep. 11, 2011.

The day started out ok as she boarded the train in the morning. It only took a few minutes for the train to complete its course under the Hudson River. When she got off, she quickly learned that the train she arrived on was the last train coming into New York; and that she should look for, and board, the next train back to Hoboken. It was the last train allowed to leave New York.

Life for everyone changed that day, and there is no need to re-examine those issues again. They only add to the memories I feel when looking at this beautiful badge.

As you will observe, it is a traditional sunburst with an eagle on the top. Over the eagle are three stars, which let you know the original owner had rank.

In the center of this badge is a multi color State Seal. It is surrounded by a ring and a panel at the bottom. The lettering is gold over blue and it reads: "City of Hoboken Police, Chief of Detectives." 

I am quite proud to own this item, and I try to enjoy the good things that surround 9/11 when I look at my display. There are a lot of people that I think of. My little girl is at the top of the list. She now lives in Manhattan. I keep this badge,  and my memories, in a nice spot in my Den where I frequently visit it on a daily basis.

MYSTERY RADIATOR BADGE

LOOKING FOR HELP !  CAN ANYONE IDENTIFY THIS BADGE?  

If you know where this badge comes from please write to:  "jerseychief@gmail.com"

I became the owner of this old Radiator Badge, while hunting for a similar item, from another City (Newark, NJ).   I'm assuming that this badge is from the same time period, 1890 -1910, as my old hometown.

Comparing this, to one of my Newark "Rad's," it is much thinner. It has a similar pin and "C" catch on the rear.

The face of the badge has the markings "MASTER" and the word "POLICE."  There is a number top left (27), and another bottom right (E 21).  I have no idea what these markings mean.  

Your help is appreciated identifying it. Thanks (jerseychief.gmail.com)

TOP COP COLLECTION: HARDYSTON TWP

HARDYSTON TWP. is Number 8 in my TOP COP COLLECTION.

I don't believe I ever heard of Hardyston while I lived and worked in New Jersey. That covered a little over 55 years. I checked with my wife and odd, but she didn't know where it was either.

The location was easy enough to find. I just used my secret investigational tool - Google. It knows everything. It did tell me exactly where the Township was located. It is in "The Woods" or rural Sussex County. No wonder I couldn't find it.

Now that I am in the know, I just could not wait to tell her that our daughter lives only 4.7 miles from Hardyston. In fact parts of this community were carved out to help create Franklin NJ,  which is where our child resides. I have informed my wife just how close Hardyston is to our daughters home,  but somehow she just didn't care.

Well lets take a look at the badge from this community which has over 7000 people napping there at night. My guess is they take a bus to NYC in the morning. Ok, the badge is a full size Sunburst, with a large Eagle sitting on the top. The bird is carrying a banner with the "8" in it.

On the bottom of the sunburst and flowing outward is a nice collection of golden feathers. Just above is a panel, placed over the bottom of what is the the center ring, with the word "CHIEF."  Rounding out the top part of the ring are the words: HARDYSTON TWP POLICE. Dead center is a multi color New Jersey State Seal which finishes this badge off quite nice.

Now I have no recollection as to where or when this beauty came into my hands. My wife doesn't know either. I believe I have had it around 20 -25 years.

This one is a keeper and looks nice with my other Top Cops. It is in a nice display case with tempered glass on the face side. That allows me a fine view of this badge, which now serves as a reminder to me, as to exactly where this municipality is located.

"MAN'S BEST FRIEND," NERO, SAVES NEWARK'S POLICE DIRECTOR FROM ASSASSIN'S ATTACK - 1968

 

An "8 x 10 News Photo" was recently acquired, and has become a part of the collection, focusing on Newark, NJ

Dominic Spina was Director of the Newark Police Department in 1968, when unknown assailants tried to end his life. He survived because of his dog, Nero, and good luck.

On July 23 Spina was in his home when he became the target of a shotgun blast from outside his house. Just as the blast ripped into his house, Spina stooped down to put a leash on his dog. That move saved his life.

The back of the picture reveals News Office Notes (including reference to Grand Jury). I have a few 8x10's of various subjects. They make a nice display and compliment my badges.