TOP COP: TRENTON

TOP COP: TRENTON, NJ,  DEPUTY CHIEF

By  Dennis Beyer

Okay, it has been a while since I wrote about those badges in my "Top Cop Collection." So I am catching up, and noted here is only two left. So here is the next one. It is from Trenton, NJ.

Trenton is New Jersey's Capital, and a pretty important City in our National History. It's fame started initially with George Washington, and his troops, successfully pulling off a surprise attack on Hessian Soldiers on Christmas Eve Dec. 25, 1776. This battle turned the Revolutionary War around setting us Rebels on the path for Victory against Britain.

Washington will always be remembered for leading his men, in that famous frigid cruise, across the  Delaware River. In the years that followed,  Trenton served as a meeting  place for delegates working to establish a new country. In fact Trenton actually served as our Capital for two months in late 1784. It was also a major candidate to be our permanent Capital, but settled to be the State Capital instead.

I enjoyed many experiences in Trenton during my career. It was the home of the Supreme Court, and its Administrative Offices.  They ruled my life first as a Probation Officer, and ultimately as Chief Probation Officer. I never had contact with the City's Police. That's because I always behaved myself despite what the Court may think. 

Lets take a look at the nice badge I got from another collector a few years ago. It is a "sunburst" with an "Eagle" on top. There is a panel at the top that  reads "DEPUTY CHIEF." 

In the center is a gold tone ring with the words: "POLICE DEPT. TRENTON NJ." 

At the center of this badge, in blue with reverse blue lettering, is the "City Seal." The tiny words are "Seal of the City of Trenton, 1788."  Trenton is one of only a few Cities that uses a "City Seal" on their badges. Most use the N.J.  State Seal.

Studying this fine badge, and a couple other beautiful shields from my Capital City, I do recall one fabulous memory in 1994. It was a terrible day as far as weather goes. We had a meeting early in the morning. One usually has to stay at these sessions until around 4:00 PM. On this day the powers to be, waiting until 2:00 PM,  determined we were in a blizzard and sent everyone home. Great it was cold, and traffic was terrible on US 1. It took me hours to get home. It is one of those horrible memories that stick with you.When I did get home there was a message from my County Court: "They closed at 12:00 Noon", and wanted "to make sure I knew." I got this message at 7:00 PM!  That was thrilling to hear, and certainly is one of those memories I have.

The two badges below are not "Top Cops." They are early Trenton Badges that I have as part of my City Collection. I thought they would be a nice fit to go with my featured Deputy Chief Badge. Note these badges also have the City Seal at the center. Enjoy looking at them. I know I do.