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.