The top picture above is of a Badge I obtained recently at a Show in Orlando (2018). I made several purchases that day including this treasure.
Take a close look in the Blue Ring that circles the inside of the Badge. It reads: "Fire Band, Newark, New Jersey." It is gold plated and is just beautiful.
The second Badge pictured is almost identical. Inside its' Blue Ring are the words: "Police Band, Newark, N.J." One word is all that is different with these fine pieces of Newark Police History.
As I recall it was the "Newark Police and Fire Band." My Father, Det. Herman Beyer, was the Last Commander of this Band. He served until budget cuts killed off a wonderful marching band. Most of the members of the Band were from the Police Dept.
Band Members wore a Badge, with the words Police or Fire in the Blue Ring, depending on their particular Department. Since The Police Members out numbered The Fire Members, there were fewer "FIRE BAND" Badges made. Thus this "Fire Badge" is a rare find indeed. My long range plan is to display both of these Badges together. Right now I have the Police version in a sealed display.
The third item pictured here is a photo of the Band in the late 1930's. My Father, Herman W Beyer, is the first officer in the second row. Closing in on 100 years soon.
I had another picture of the Band standing on the steps of City Hall. It was from 1954. I donated it to the Newark FOP Museum close to 20 years ago. Now I wish I had a copy. Such is life.
Looking back I have many memories of the Police Band. One, that comes to mind, is when I was roughly 10 years old, I found where my Dad stored extra badges. He kept them in a little brown bag in the attic of our home When nobody was around I allowed myself to play with them. I wasn't a Badge Collector then, but today I am, and I have two Beautiful Badges, and some Real Nice Memories.
