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

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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.

Spina is pictured above with his dog - Nero. An "8 x 10 News Photo" was recently acquired, and has become a part of the collection, focusing on Newark, NJ.  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. I often bring them to shows.