END OF WATCH

 

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 2021. They leave Us, and their FAMILIES Behind. 

They will always be Remembered.  

Miss you guys!

NEWARK - It ain't Kansas

 

 

In addition to collecting "Badges" for over 50 years, I also collect photographs or posters regarding my home City of Newark, NJ.

I have had this poster size picture about fifteen years, and did a blog article on it back around 2011. I figure it's time to show it again. 

It's clear that even "Dorothy" knows her geography.

CITY COLLECTION: BAYONNE, NJ

I recently obtained this Bayonne, NJ Badge from across the pond. It is a beauty and fits in my N.J. Major City's Collection.

First I need explain by using the word "Pond" I am referring to the Atlantic Ocean, and the English expression that  they use when traveling. Clarity is needed as the City of Bayonne is located on a pond if its' own.

The Waters that makes up the three sides of this City are: Newark Bay, Kill Van Kull, and New York Bay.  It's a short swim to both Newark, Staten Island and Manhattan. 

In the Bayonne's early days it was known for Yacht building. Today it is known for Cruise Ships, and a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

In actual area Bayonne is a little bigger then a postage stamp with an actual land area of eleven square miles. Sixty-five thousand people call it home.

The badge that traveled to my collection is a traditional New York- New Jersey Shape. It is seen quite frequently throughout the Garden State in various Towns, The Big Apple, and on "Blue Bloods."

The shape, size, panels and seal are quite common, yet, to a Collector such as myself, all of this is mesmerizing. It makes this addition a trophy for sure.

The shield itself is silver tone, with two panels, and a number box. In the middle is a reverse side stamped N.J. State Seal. The panels read: "City of Bayonne" and "POLICE." The letters "NJ" also appear underneath the numbers.

I have given this badge a very proper place in a display containing several community's that are designated "Cities".
Like all of my displays they fill the walls of my Den, where I am able to view and salute them every day. 

Included in that view is this Bayonne Badge of another era. That one has a distinct "City Seal" at center point.

 

I am fortunate to have both of these badges in my collection. I am grateful, and most happy to share through these two pictures with other hobbyists.

NEWARK DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE BEGINNINGS OF TONG WAR 1930

NEWARK DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE BEGINNINGS OF TONG WAR 1930

 

by: Dennis Beyer

 

In an attempt to rid myself of some of the boredom I have had, due to Covid Restrictions,  started reviewing this old scrap book I purchased a year or so ago. I blogged about it last year.  I purchased the book after a New England couple "found" it in a pile of trash. The book contains news clippings of crimes in Newark. City Detective Morris Kirwan is mentioned in almost every article, so the presumption is, This was his Book. My wife thought I was crazy to buy this old book of someone else's memories.

The Book was originally a Newark Police Desk Blotter. Det. Kirwan pasted his news clippings, photos, and letters over the original pages. Some pages included photos from different crime scenes.  These pictures were re- printed onto the pages of The Newark News, and make for very interesting reading. 

In my initial review I found a couple of very interesting items in the book, which I have since sold. I made a nice return on my investment, so My wife can't say I am crazy any longer. One of those items was a Piece of Mail,  from the Crime Scene of the murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby son in 1932.  The Second item was a "AP Teletype with Original Pictures" of three NYC Detectives, who were shot, pursuing a felon, in 1931.

In this same time period, I found a news clipping of a homicide story.  In addition to the news article there was  an "original photograph." The picture is a 4" x 6," black and white print. It shows four men in an old convertible. Condition is good.

(Original Picture showing Low Sung Hung before his murder)

This looks like a staged photo. I can only guess that the Detectives found this picture, and used it to aid in their investigation. It is assumed that Det. Kirwan marked the name "Low Sung," onto the photograph, which is now 90 years old. It is in excellent shape, and finding a nice home in my Newark Memorabilia Collection.

The news story reveals that Mr. Low Sung Hung was found dead in an alley, near midnight (date believed to be in 1930). He was shot twice, and stabbed once. 

Detectives feared that this murder was the "...fresh outbreak of War between the rival gangs Hip Sing and On Leong Tongs." Their investigation revealed the victim to be age 35, employed as a Cook, and affiliated with the "Tongs."  Police also found a nearly complete letter to his Mother.  It indicated he expected someone to kill him, and "Cut out His Stomach."

Three arrests were made the same weekend as the murder, but there is no information about a trial or convictions. The news clipping follows below.

 (Picture is of a News Clipping from circa July 1930. Photo by Dennis Beyer)

 

When I located this scrap book, I inquired as to other souvenirs from Det. Kirwan's career. Sadly I was told his badges were located, but distributed to unknown family or friends.

The badges below are representative of those in use in the 1930's. Det. Kirwan's badge would have looked like one of these. They are almost identical to the current Detective Shield, but without a "blue enamel ring" behind the letters. The Newark "City Seal," with a hand holding a hammer," is prominently located at the badge center point.

 

(Three pictures of 1930 vintage N.P.D. Detective Badges.  Photo by Dennis Beyer)

 

The above three Badges are now part of a display in my Den. They are part of my collection, and often taken to Police Shows in the Florida area. I have a deepfondness for these beautiful badges, and the history behind them. Certainly the story above has contributed to my memories, and my visits with city history.

 

 LARGE TURNOUT IN ORLANDO OR "VACATION CAPITAL POLICE BADGE AND PATCH SHOW"

by Doug Sarubbi & Dennis Beyer

 

The ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL was the location for the Sep. 4, 2021 Vacation Capital Police Badge and Patch Show. Hobbyists from across the Country used over 100 tables to display vintage badges, patches, and other Law Enforcement collectibles.

There was a positive response to this year's show even with covid still on the scene. The hosts were Doug Sarubbi,  and John Holmes.

Collectors seemed to have a twin focus at this years' show. First, was the obvious interest in the displays' and items for sale or trade. The Second, was the simple conversations regarding the impact of the covid pandemic on our hobby.

In the previous year we dealt with physical health issues, and the related strain on our emotions. Stress and turmoil ruled our lives, but this years' show was a major step forward bringing us out of the shadows of the plague that impacted our lives.

Every display at the 2021 Show was a reflection of a lifetime investment in the hobby. Each display had a story. Each item had a story.

The Badge below belongs to Ron Bartholomue. He has been a Collector for 50 years. He has every Presidential Inauguration Badge since 1935. He proudly displays his collection, and is happy to talk about each badge. The shield below was the first issue, and was made, not by a governmental department, but by the Shriner's in 1935. This was during Franklin Roosevelt's Presidency. 

 

In another corner of the Rosen Plaza Hotel's Ballroom there were multiple tables used by Jeff Peeler. He is a regular at Florida shows, and is also happy to tell the story about his Florida Highway Patrol Collection. The item below is a nicely framed and labeled grouping of the various ranks for Troopers.

 

 

Looking around the Ballroom several Displays had other items of Law Enforcement Memorabilia. Some fine examples are pictured  below. The first photo is of an antique Hat, and Red and Blue police car lights. The second photo focuses on Jacksonville Police Department and Duvall County Sheriff's Department. It includes uniform shirts and a rare photo of uniformed officers.

 

 

 

At the Noon Hour the Show was called to order and awards were presented by the organizers. Doug Sarubbi made the announcements and presentation of the 2021 trophies. Doug's daughter, Meghan, assisted with the photography.

Below are photos of the winners, with the Hosts of the Show. They are:

 

1. Jeff Peeler        for BEST PATCH DISPLAY

 2. Dennis Beyer  for BEST BADGE DISPLAY

 3. Gary Teragawa  for BEST OVERALL    DISPLAY  

4. Mark Weinstein for Honorable Mention

5. Sam Goldstein Won the Patch Drop

 

In conclusion take a look at this picture of two old license plates. The top plate carries a message - ARRIVE ALIVE. That is a very positive thought. Keep it in mind when thinking of 2022, your future endeavors, and next years' Show.

 

  

     

 

 

NEWARK BOMB SQUAD TO THE RESCUE

 

(This is a re-post of an article published several years ago. Enjoy it again.)

NEWARK POLICE BOMB SQUAD TRUCK

Wow, if the last picture I posted, with those single headlights mounted on the fender looked old, check this one out. There doesn't seem to be any headlights.

This is supposedly from 1911 (plus or minus). It is of a vehicle that was used by the NEWARK BOMB SQUAD.  You would think they would want to see the road, and a its pot holes. One little "bump" could make one huge "boom."

What was surprising to me when I obtained this photo was that the City of Newark would actually dedicate funds to purchase a vehicle for this purpose.

I have since looked for "bombings or explosions" in Newark's History. I was able to find an article that reported a huge explosion of unknown origin in 1880. The location was the Celluloid Manufacturing Co. located on Ferry St. The blast killed three instantly, destroyed an entire brick building, and burned two additional men so bad, that their recovery was impossible. 

I am sure there were other incidents before and after this major explosion. Thus the need for officers and a vehicle designed to handle explosive situations is well documented. 

A friend of mine was once assigned to the "Bomb Squad," and he told me their motto was: "If you see me running, try to keep up!" That gives you an idea of how dangerous this job is. 

Hope you enjoyed looking at the photo.

 

FOUR TABLES LEFT FOR ORLANDO BADGE SHOW

Attention Everyone - We have jut received notice that the Vacation Capital Badge and Patch Show in Orlando has just FOUR tables left.

If you have an interest contact Doug Sarubbi at:     

sarubb@aol.com

Hope to see everyone

LAST CALL FOR ORLANDO SHOW, SCHEDULED SEP 4TH

 

It's time to sign up or the "Vacation Capital" Police Collectors Show in Orlando this coming September 4. There still are a few Tables available.

As in the past the Show will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr. Orlando. Rooms are available to Show Registrants for a discounted rate. Free parking is also included.

There will be 90 Tables available and are offered at the rate of $30.00 per Table. Contact Doug Sarubbi for Table Reservation 

The doors will be open to the Public, however there is a $5.00 charge for admission.

"VACATION CAPITAL" POLICE COLLECTOR'S SHOW RETURNS - SEP 4TH

 

It's time to sign up or the "Vacation Capital" Police Collectors Show in Orlando this coming September 4.

As in the past the Show will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr. Orlando. Rooms are available to Show Registrants for a discounted rate. Free parking is also included.

There will be 90 Tables available and are offered at the rate of $30.00 per Table. Contact Doug Sarubbi for Table Reservation 

The doors will be open to the Public, however there is a $5.00 charge for admission.

GUATEMALA REVISITED

 
 

In September of 2014 The Wife and I took a trip to Guatemala. On my return I told the story of my visit to the local police station in the City of Antigua. Of course I acquired a badge for my collection. I still have it. The post below is the original story for present day reading. Enjoy.

 

COURTESY CALL - GUATEMALA 

 

Don't ask me why, but the wife and I took a trip to Guatemala in late September (2014). By now everyone who knows me, should know, the important question is: "Did you get a Badge?"

Well of course the answer is, "Yes."

We had the good fortune of being the only people on this tour so it didn't take too much effort to have our guide take us to a police station. He found one in the City of Antigua.

Before getting to the police  station I pumped the guide for all the information I could get about this City. Let me share some facts and work  my way up to headquarters.

I learned that Antigua is the oldest City in Central America, and it served as a capital during Spanish rule. It is quite a colorful City. Unfortunately it was built on a fault line, making it a land that shakes. It also has survived these tremors in the ground.

Many of the homes and buildings were facades from older days. In many cases all that was left from earthquakes was an outside wall or two. From these ruins present day homes and businesses were built.

Some of these buildings have walls that are over a foot thick, and you should see the wood doors that they have. Guaranteed they did not come from Home-Depot. A good number of these doors are over a hundred years of age.  

The streets of Antigua were wide, and made of cobble stones. For the most part they were clean, and solid. Most vehicular traffic was small cars, motor scooters, and an  occasional horse and buggy. 

I learned that electric here is produced from hydro-electric plants. The Country is self sufficient in electrical production. Distribution, on the other hand, is a problem. 

Electric is transmitted to the town by overhead wires. If it weren't for the telephone poles, carrying these electric wires, I would have thought myself lost in time. With them, I still got the feeling of being somewhere in the twilight zone.

As I approached the police station I was wondering if we were at the right place. I quickly learned not to judge a book by its cover.

The police station was small. It was colorful. The color of choice was appropriately blue. I loved it.

It was easy to find out who was in charge. I had the guide introduce me as a retired officer. I then offered my own "Buenas Tardes." It was nicely received with a smile and handshake.

The police had their own translator. He made conversing nice and easy. His command of English was very impressive. I injected my Jersey Spanish every now and then, and we hit it off quite well.

My explanation for being there was simple. I write for Police Collectors News. I told them all I wanted was a handshake and a smile for a picture or two. I let it slip that I also collect Badges. 

From our introductory remarks, I was rewarded with great conversation, some nice pictures, and a fine badge from "El Jefe's" shirt. I have it home now where it is displayed under glass. It serves as a fine memory of a great afternoon in Antigua.

The State Police Officers who made my day were Freddy Chavez Gomez (Officer in Charge), and Inspector Carlos Villatoro,  (translator).  They were terrific Gentlemen. I made sure to get their pictures for my friends at PC News.

Outside in the small court yard area of HQ, I was introduced to a Detective, who also was very friendly, and eager  to show off the badge that he carries in his work.  

Just down the street from HQ, I ran into a man who spoke English fairly well. He told me he was a retired  Philadelphia PD Officer.  Bill Shetz now works with  the American Legion. He advised me there is a community of retired US Police Officers working with the American Legion. They help the police and the local community. I was feeling at home here.

At that point my wife reminded me of the volcano, that was puffing, and our need to go shopping, so I gave Freddy and Carlos a nice Jersey Hug and a handshake. They showed me a great time, and their hospitality was truly enjoyed. Gracias, mi Amigos. Hasta Luego, and Thanks for a great memory.

ORLANDO SHOW SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 4th

It's time to sign up or the "Vacation Capital" Police Collectors Show in Orlando this coming September 4.

As in the past the Show will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr. Orlando. Rooms are available to Show Registrants for a discounted rate. Free parking is also included.

There will be 90 Tables available and are offered at the rate of $30.00 per Table. Contact Doug Sarubbi for Table Reservation 

The doors will be open to the Public, however there is a $5.00 charge for admission.

WEST NEW YORK IS WHERE?

The above two badges are a matching set. As one can see they are clearly from "WEST NEW YORK," but where exactly is that?

I am sure some TV trivia guys are speculating that this is the newer land mass added to the original waterfront of "The Big Apple" back in the 1800's. But to find it, you have to go further West,  and across the Hudson River,  to New Jersey.

So lets say you start your journey to find West N.Y. at the Intrepid Museum. The retired Aircraft Carrier is tied up at the current edge of Manhattan. Directly across the river is Jersey City. From  there take a hike on JFK Blvd. up the cliff's,  to a speck of land just over a mile squared, and you found the second highest populated area in  New Jersey. There are over 50,000 people living here.

This is a community that has a view of the Big Apple like no other. From its' high point of 150' it has a view up,  down, and across the beautiful Hudson River into Mid-Town Manhattan.

Just off its' shoreline was the scene of Capt. Sullenberger's dramatic "Water Landing," of Flight 1549. This took place Jan. 15, 2009. Public Safety and Emergency workers deployed from West New York and were among the first to arrive at the scene to help survivors. Only a decade ago we all watched a major motion picture that followed this event.

There is a Police Dept in this Community on the Palisades in New Jersey. They are roughly 120 strong. They do a fine job for their citizens and stay out of the public's eye  for the most part. Their assistance in the "Water Landing" of Fl 1549  brought them positive recognition ten years ago, and the same positive approach to the job continues today.

The set of badges I obtained at a Titusville Badge and Patch Show several years ago look like they are identical to those in use in NYC. The style is the same, but of course the wording is different. Also the "Seals" are different. The WEST NEW YORK Badge has a "N.J. State Seal" stamped into its' body.  Note that there is a distinctive "Horse Head" located at its' top. Looking closer, at the Badge, and on the bottom you will note that there are letters - "N. J."     

The Hat Badge is basically, in the shape of the State Seal, but carries a number box at its' bottom. This is a common design in New Jersey. In this case the number is 101, which corresponds with the number on the breast Badge, completing the Set.

I have both badges "under glass" in a display case that hangs on my wall. I try to give them a daily look and to conjure up some memories of days gone by. My collection is a great source of those memories and I am very pleased to have them both.

A NEW GUARD FOR MY MUSEUM

Right from the top, I'll state "This isn't Terrific."

I'm calling it "My New Guard." What I have done is place an old Newark Motorcycle Jacket on an old display stand. From there I found an old hat, an unrelated Hat Badge, and a pair of Biden Glasses.

Add all these parts and I have a "guard" to stand a windows' edge looking into my Museum (Den). He does do a good job at collecting comments from visitors. It's fun to actually see some people freeze as if He is real.

The  Coat is a good fifty years old and at one time used by a Newark Motorcycle Officer. The buttons are original and in decent condition. The leather too is in good shape, but the zipper is a little on the tough side to move.

"My Man" has a NPD Badge that most certainly did not come with the Coat. The badge is actually older then the coat, and part of my Collection for over thirty years. 

The head piece is a NJ Officers' Hat, with appropriate State Hat Badge. This one is # 28. I assume it came from a small municipality. It definitely is not from Newark, but fits my Sentry. The glasses were from a shelf where I kept items I didn't want to toss. Looks good, even if that is my opinion only.

He is doing a great job watching over my fifty year old Collection. For that I am Glad to have him.

RIVERSIDE AND THE JERSEY CHIEF'S

This beautiful Riverside, NJ Badge is an example of a picture conveying a thousand words, none the less I'll tell you about what you can't see here.

Riverside is the last "Chief Badge" that I have placed in my "Jersey Chief Collection." In addition to the "Chief's" housed in this single display, I have a handful of others in different display groups. One is in a "Rank Set" from Ft. Lee. The Second, of course, is in my number one favorite collection, Newark, N.J. 

  

 

* * * * *

 

Now back to The Riverside Chief. It's home is a Township located on the banks of the Delaware River. That River is New Jersey's Western border. It also explains the origin of the name the new township took, when created in 1895.  

Riverside is a small township, and has less then two square miles. In that area there is a population of 8000 +/- citizens. 

The Community has a Police Force of roughly twenty men and woman. This department is a pioneer in Community Policing, and has been very successful in  keeping their Citizens safe.

This Badge, obtained from another collector recently, dates back 40-50 years. It is a basic Eagle/Oval with four panels. In the panels are the identifiers: Chief, Police,  Riverside,  NJ. At the center point is a multi-color State Seal. It looks quite nice and keeps this badge looking sharp. Overall it is a fifty year old item. 

* * * * *  

With The Riverside Chief taking its' place with the remainder of my Jersey Chief's Collection, one will see a core of traditional shaped NJ Chief Badges. They are from Leonia,  Jersey City, and Hoboken, NJ.

Reserved for the Top Guy they blend: a Sunburst, an Eagle, and, of course, Stars. The mores "Stars" the greater a badge's significance to its' owner.

Interestingly the badges with Five Stars are the above "Fort Lee, NJ", and the badge shown in the core group from Leonia, NJ.  One would have expected that honor to go to Newark, but the "Police Director" is the "Guy" with five stars in that City. 

The "Core Group" Badges are pictured below.

   

   

 

 

 

 

Of the above three badges, The Jersey City Chief, and Hoboken Chief of Detectives  have "three stars" respectfully. While really not a Department Head, the Hoboken Badge, is deserving of its' spot in this core group. It is quite rare. 

* * * * * 

 

The balance of my Jersey Chief Collection is made up with the following fine pieces of historic treasure. For the most part there are no stars on these badges. There are three exceptions. Two of these exceptions have four stars, and one has two stars. They are displayed in alphabetical order.