END OF WATCH - 2023

 

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 Badge Collector 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 2023. They leave Us, and their FAMILIES Behind. 

They will always be Remembered.  

THE "OLD COUTESY CARD" - ISSUED IN 1945

 By: Dennis Beyer

I just got "My FOP Cards for 2024. That prompted me to reflect on the one pictured above. It was issued in 1945 by the Newark Police Officers'  "Patrolman's Benefit Association (PBA)". That is 79 years ago. The card is in perfect condition and is just a couple years younger then me. I'm in almost perfect condition if anyone cares. 

The card wasn't always in my possession. In fact it was 50+ years of age when I received from a nice Irish Lass that I worked with as a Probation Officer during my days in Newark.

Career changes brought us together in the mid 1990's. Conversation led to talk about my hobby, and that brought the gift of this "Honorary Membership" (PBA) Card. 

I reported years ago about having it in my collection. It is worthy of this repeat presentation. Of course it remains framed and prominently located in my Den.  I am still glad to have it.

COP JOKE

 

An officer observes a woman standing in the middle of the street. He approaches her and asks, “Are you OK?” 

The woman replies, “Yes, but how do I get to the hospital?” 

The officer says, “Just keep standing there.”

ESSEX COUNTY PARK POLICE, RARE #2 SET, PLUS TWO MORE

 By: Dennis Beyer

This a reprint of a post completed several years ago. I heard, but no confirmed, that the Park Police are being re-established. Anyone know? 

Behave in the Park, or the Boys in Blue will get you. 

Essex County, N.J. is a small geographic area, but it has many parks. Branch Brook Park, and Weequahic Park are two well know pieces of real estate located in the City of Newark.

Each year, in Branch Brook Park,  there is an annual Cherry Blossom festival. The park has around 4000 trees. That's a lot, and that is the reason this festival is the largest in the entire U.S.

The design of the park was by Frederick Olmstead. Mr. "O" had some good experience having created Central Park in New York City. He did not however create the muggers that enjoy all of these parks.  

Weequahic Park is on the South side of Newark. It was the centerpiece for what was a very nice neighborhood. It has a lake, and in its 'Hey Day' even had a race track for trotters (that explains the hay).

The County Park Commission established a police force to protect all county parks. The officers' authority was limited pretty much to inside the borders of the county's parkland. On many a day the officer had to drive from one park to another in order to complete his rounds.. 

Things change, and in the 70's the County created the Essex County Police Department. They had jurisdiction now over Roads, County Property, and the Parks. 

You can see how jurisdiction may have had its conflicts within the municipalities, who had their own police forces. There was also a conflict with the County Sheriff's Department. As a result it was possible to have three cars on a scene representing three police departments, all paid by the same taxpayer.

After the new Millennium  this jurisdictional problem went away as the County Police were absorbed into the Sheriff's Department. Now there are only two cars at a crime scene.

This all means you might see some "County Police" badges floating around for collectors. I don't have any. What is pictured is from the original Park Police. They are in great condition and remind me of many stories involving the Parks in Essex County.

They warrant their own display case and are part of my museum (den). Sure I like them, and I am very happy that I can remember some of this history. My father, a Newark Police Officer was awarded a National Life Saving Medal for pulling a man out of the lake in Branch Brook Park. As noted above that is in Newark, but not my father's direct jurisdiction. 

I trust Mr. Olmstead would be pleased with my recollections regarding the history and political yarns reported here. I certainly enjoyed the memories. Also allow me to note today is my fathers birthday. He would have been 120 years old. Enjoy the memories.

LOWER RANKS NPD BADGES FROM 1920'S

 By: Dennis Beyer

The picture above is my Collection of Early Newark Badges. They date roughly to 1920. My Goal is to build a Rank Set. I have been working on this for years and still have a long way to go. 

I have the following Ranks: Patrolman, Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant.

I have assembled them, in an Oak and Glass Case, along with a vintage Newark "Triangle" Patch, a couple of Uniform Buttons, and an Old Blackjack. 

The Badge above is of the correct period as the Sergeants and Lieutenant  shield in this display. The (Patrolman # 316) design is the same as todays' NPD badges, but it also is the same as the shield first issued roughly in 1914. There is no way to determine exactly when this badge was made, but it is an appropriate fit with those pictured in the above display.

The "Detective Shield, #9, is also an appropriate fit with the display. I have accumulated several 1920's Detective Shields and there is no "Blue Ring." That section of the 1920's badge was not given any "paint".  It was all gold finishing. This particular badge appears to have been "updated" by a previous owner by adding the blue paint. If that is not the case then Number 9 would be of post WW II era (and in poor condition vs. just old).

The twin Sergeant Badges pictured below are numbered #20 and #29. The words "Police" and "Newark" are integrated  into the badge, while the rank is stamped into the top panel. Note the difference and its effect on overall wording on these rare shields. They definitely date back to 1920 era.

The Lieutenant Badge #95 is pictured below. It is identical to the above Sergeant badges with the exception of the Rank Panel on top. Those letters are also stamped into the panel with enamel fill.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have these rare historic badges from Newark and in particular the two Sergeant and single Lieutenant Badges. I have them hanging on a wall in my den where they receive their daily inspection from me.

ROYAL FALKLAND ISLANDS POLICE HAT BADGE ADDED TO "BADGES OF THE CROWN"

By: Dennis Beyer

In February of this year  (2023) I visited the Falkland Islands and subsequently posted a story about that visit. I have since communicated with RFIP Chief Barry Thacker,  regarding my visit, as well as related Blog Post and Facebook Comments.

This past month (July 28) I received an "Air Mail" letter post marked June 19, 2023. It took a while to get here, but when it arrived it brought a large smile to my old face. 

Inside the envelope was a fine Memento of the Falkland Islands Police. It is pictured dead center top of this article. I trust everyone can get a good view of it, especially the words "Desire The Right" (located just inside the inner circle on Badge).

The phrase "Desire the Right" is the motto of the Falkland Islands. Its' roots trace, in part, to the name of the ship, the Desire, Captained by the English Explorer Capt. John Davis. 

Davis is credited with discovering the islands in 1592. The rest of the phrase has its roots in the Right political party which took the name Desire Right Party (DRP). With Evolution these words became the recognized motto of the Falkland Islands 

The featured Hat Badge has been placed in an oak display case with a glass front. It will be centered between its' cousins from other UK locations. Take a look at the "Badges of The Crown" display pictured below:

The following pictures are individual photos of the other six UK Badges that I have collected over the years. Check them out:

The above badges are a little larger than the one from Falkland Islands Police,  but they all wear the same Crown. In my display,  Size, as I have learned over the years,  is not as important as Location. That is why this wonderful Badge from my friends in the Falkland Islands stands at Center of this display. I offer my most sincere thanks to the RFIP along with the promise to view it every day. You have made another Great Memory for me. I treasure it.

911 REMEMBERED

 By: Dennis Beyer

Twenty-two years ago The Twin Towers stood in lower Manhattan. I used to see them daily on my way to work looking across the New Jersey landscape towards the Big Apple. The Towers were a Landmark for me before I retired. 

Twenty-two years ago The Towers stood until roughly 9:00 AM. One hour later they were down and just a memory. 

I won forget. I watched in horror as a second plane crashed into the second Tower. I listened to reports about a Plane crashing into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. I heard the reports about passengers on a fourth Plane stormed the cockpit and gave their lives to prevent another tragedy.

Each year I remember, but I have the Badge and Picture, at the top of this post, that reminds me daily of the acts of terrorism that struck America on September 11, 2001. 

A friend, at my request, did the drawing pictured above. It shows the Twin Blue Beams rising into the Sky marking the location of the Towers in NYC. Another friend got the Badge for me appropriately numbered 911.  The Badge lays on a blue ribbon in recognition of those who gave their lives on this tragic day.

NJ REFORM SCHOOL, # 4

 By: Dennis Beyer

This is quite a unique badge that I have here.  It is nearing 100 years of age. 

It comes from a Juvenile Facility (JAMESBURG) in the State of New Jersey. It is stamped with the title: 

"SPL OFFICER,   NEW JERSEY REFORM SCHOOL,     #4"  

The face of this old badge is a fully stamped image of the N.J. State Seal. It makes for an impressive display focused at the center point. I like it better than the applied Multi Color Seals in use today.

I have had this item almost 50 years now, and I am quite fond of it. I have it in a nice Oak Display case where I still check it out every Day.

NEWARK POLICE EARLY PATROL CARS

 By: Dennis Beyer

I was picking through some of the "non badge" pieces of my collection and found these pictures of old Newark Police Cars.

This first picture, below, is really interesting to me. Look at the side of the car and there is an aerial mounted just ahead of drivers side door. It is a sign of the Radio Age in Law Enforcement, and is quite a bit larger then those in use today.

The insignia on the door is unique too. While it is the vintage Newark Triangle, the wording has been modified to show that this is a "NEWARK RADIO POLICE" vehicle.

 

The car to the right also has the Triangle marking on the door. I need new glasses to make out what is there. I wouldn't be surprised if it said "S.W.A.T.".  The Officers standing next to this car look like they are ready for any kind of trouble.

If you like these pictures feel free to make a copy.

ROYAL FALKLAND ISLANDS POLICE

By: Dennis Beyer

I guess I won't complain about driving to Orlando or Titusville (Fl.) anymore. I certainly can't express sorrow about local roads, after travelling to Stanley, F.I. The travel distance, as the crow flies, was 5518 miles.

"F.I." is the abbreviation for the Falkland Islands. In order to get there I had to take my wife on a cruise around Cape Horn at the end of South America. Naturally when I saw a one day port visit in Stanley, F.I. (The Capital City) I caved in and agreed to go. After all this cruise stop was on the way!

The Mrs. and I used a  shuttle craft to touch soil in Stanley. It was a 20 minute ride from the cruise ship. Once ashore I looked for help to find Police HQ on Ross Road. All I had to do was snap my fingers and help was there. Two Officers, patrolling the Dock, were pleased to direct me to the Station House. They even took a picture with me.

(Dennis Beyer, in Red, with two fine officers, (Kt & Neal)

of the Royal Falkland Islands Police. Dennis Beyer Photograph)

Once I entered HQ I spoke with Desk Officer, Chris Leat. I explained to him that I was looking for Chief Michael Luke. I quickly learned that Chief Luke has called it a career and is returning to London, U.K. 

(Welcoming sign at reception desk. Dennis Beyer Photograph)

Wendy Van Rensburg, Police Constable, was the Office in Charge when I visited Feb. 11, 2023. She made me feel at home immediately. When I told her I was a Collector of Law Enforcement Memorabilia she said, "departing Chief Michael Luke was also a Collector."  I sure wish I could have spent some time with him.

I explained to Constable Van Rensburg that I would like some information on the bombing of the Police H.Q. during the Falkland Islands' War in 1982. That was no problem as she had the "historical picture" which revealed the damaged roof. 

(A copy of the damaged Police H.Q. following an errant missile 

attack on June 12, 1982. Dennis Beyer Photograph)

I learned this attack took place on June 12th 1982, when a British  "AS 12 Missile" came in low and erroneously hit the police building. The correct target was the Falklands Town Hall which had been captured by Argentinian forces.

In front of modern day Police HQ,  I allowed my wife to take the picture below of this writer and Constable Van Rensburg. The wife did a good job too.

 

Constable Wendy Van Rensburg and Dennis Beyer 

in front of Stanley Police HQ.  Dennis Beyer photograph)

Inside Headquarters I found a tribute to all the "Chief's" in the history of the Royal Falkland Island Police Force. The first Chief was F. Parry who served 33 years - 1846 to 1879. The last man listed is J. McMahon who served from 2018 to 2022. Not listed, as of this article, is Chief Michael Luke, who I wish well in his retirement. 

(Listing of Chief's of Police of the Royal Falkland Islands Police.  Dennis Beyer Photograph)

The current command of the Royal Falkland Islands Police has been placed in the hands of Barry Thacker with the title of Acting Chief of Police. Chief Thacker is to be congratulated for his new appointment, along with our wishes for a safe and productive term as Chief of Police.

Chief Thacker and I caught up with each other by email on Feb 22, 2023. He was sorry to have missed my visit, but "glad you were well looked after."

I gained some knowledge of Chief Thacker's background primarily through a publication by Faith Spear, (U.K. Criminal Justice Advocate). She writes "The Criminal Justice Blog," and she  knew Barry as a 17 year old, living in U.K. when the Falkland Islands War broke out. There were a half dozen kids, Faith, Pam, Mark, Sally, Denise & Barry, who came together studying news reports of the horror of war that summer in 1982. Eventually they went their different ways in life.

( a 40 year old photo of Faith, Pam, Mark,  Sally, Denis and Barry. Photo courtesy Faith Spear) 

Shortly after the War Thacker entered Law Enforcement. He was 18 years of age. He trained at "Ryton on Dunsmore police college".  At the conclusion of this training he received a Commandants'  "Silver Baton" for  being the outstanding student in the class. 

Forty years later, following a distinguished career in the U.K., Barry Thacker started a new chapter in his life by taking a position with the Royal Falkland Islands Police. In February of 2023 he was promoted to Acting Chief (RFIP) of this distant island police force. 

(Barry Thacker in 2020. Courtesy of Faith Spear)

Below are a couple of pictures related to the police force in the Falkland Islands. The first two are of the Police HQ as it stands today. It is the same structure that was hit with a British missile in 1982. The building has been restored and proudly shows its blue & white police flag above a window. The third picture is of a modern day police cruiser. It is colorful for sure - yellow & blue check. The word "Police" is painted in red across the rear of the vehicle.

(A close up picture of the flag attached to 

Police HQ above window. Dennis Beyer Photograph)

( Picture of RFIP Flag over window, and a blue 

police lantern on the right by entry to Station.  Dennis Beyer photograph)

(A modern and colorful Blue and Yellow Police SUV 

with the word POLICE in red paint below license plate.  Dennis Beyer photograph)

At the end of my visit a current patch was presented to me which I display below. I was also given directions to a fine British Pub where I treated my wife to some mighty fine Fish N' Chips at the local favorite "Globe Tavern." 

(Current Police Patch of The Royal Falkland

 Islands Police.  Dennis Beyer photograph)

(People enjoying their Brew and Fish N' Chips 

at The Globe Tavern. Dennis Beyer photograph)

(A sign posted on the wall of The Globe Tavern. 

Dennis  Beyer photograph)

Certainly my visit with the Royal Falkland Island Police made wonderful memories for me. I will cherish them in the Memories I have Collected over the last 50 years.

 

CAMDEN BADGES

By: Dennis Beyer

Camden, New Jersey is located on the Delaware River just across from Philadelphia , Pa. It serves as County Seat for Camden County.

The badges above are from the City of Camden. They entered my collection of "City Badges" after the Police Department was formally dissolved. That took place May 1, 2013.

Camden made quite a bit of news in the years before disbanding.  Murders were sky high, and Crime was staggering. The Police Department lost basic trust from the Citizen's they served. The agency was deemed "Unfixable."

To solve the City's problem the Municipal Government started in 2011 with huge laying offs, and announcing the creation of a new "Camden County Police Department." All of the "old" officers were required to re-apply to the new Department.

Once the new "County Department" was established new badges were issued. The Set numbered 1034 found its way into the collectors World. Note the "City" Seal centered on the breast badge. Camden did not use the State Seal. Going back to the "Early Days" one can see the display of Camden's City Seal

The ancient badge at the very top is numbered 299. Above the numbers are the recessed markings: Camden Police, Camden, N. J.  This shield dates back to the late 1890-1910 era. It is almost 3 inches in height with the "City Seal" at center point.

I am fortunate to have these items in my collection. They are under glass and displayed proudly on the walls of my Den.  

 

SECOND GENERATION NEWARK P.D. - NUMBER 14

By: Dennis Beyer

When I first started my blog I did a post (May 2008) titled "Oldies But Goodies." In it I focused on a badge that was part of the Second Generation of Badges,  introduced in 1865. This design was used by the Newark P.D. up to 1885.

I didn't give the Badge, the story that it deserved in my original article. Pretty much I just said, "It was old and from Newark, N.J." What an understatement! 

Now I possess "three" of these Rare Treasures, and I certainly know how valuable they are. While there is a monetary worth, there is also an Historical and Sentimental value that make these beauties priceless.

In addition to the newbie above, I also have the other two badges, which are pictured below:

Badge number "1640 was the First of this edition that I collected. It was obtained over fifty years ago. It has a blemish at the center that impacts the coloring. Everything else is fine.

The Second Badge in this Collection of Newark Second Edition's is number "52". No blemishing on this one. Note how both badges have their numbers stamped into the lower panel, and just how high the numbers went during their twenty year period of service.

Back to the latest addition to the Collection -  Number "14". This Badge is in the best condition of the three items that I have. Observe how the number is presented. It is a little different from the first two Badges I collected.  It has its' numbers, in black enamel fill, in a separate oval panel affixed to the bottom panel on the Badge. This method of numbering apparently was discontinued rather quickly.

The general appearance of this shield, number 14, is quite awesome. It measures 2.5" by 2.00" inches, and has the word POLICE set from the rear with impressive depth and resolution. This is the only word on the Badge.

In the center, and using a large area of the Badge front, is the identifier for NEWARK, NJ.  That would be the City Seal. 

The Newark City Seal is what tells you, in an instant, where this Badge hails from. This is true even today, although the size of the Seal is generally smaller. The hand holding a hammer at the very top of the Seal is what to look for, when identifying a Newark PD  Badge.

I consider myself very fortunate to have acquired three of these Second Edition Newark shields for my collection. It only took close to 60 years to obtain all of them. 

CertainlyI have placed these Badges under glass in a fine Oak Case that definitely is double locked. I see them in my Den daily, and when it gets cold, here in Naples Fl,  these Rare Antiques generate a little heat to keep me Nice and Warm.

POLICE HUMOR

Someone broke into the police station and stole all the toilets. Police say they have nothing to go on.

WEST NEW YORK BADGE SET OFFERD TO COLLECTORS

 

The "Badge Set" below is now offered to purchase to my fellow Collectors.  

I am cutting back and re-organizing after 50 years of collecting. The badge set offered below are duplicates, so it is time to move them along.

As stated, this is a set, and I would like a reduced price  $149. or B/O. 

It is important to recognize that the two items are paired and will not be sold separately.

I will ship only to a known Collector. I may be reached at:

 

jerseychief@gmail.com

 

SOUTH ORANGE RANK SET

 By: Dennis Beyer

 

South Orange is a small town in Essex County, N.J.  It is technically a "Village," in the area just West of Newark. Of the different communities there are only three Villages in the State. Since 1977 the official name of the community is The Township of South Orange Village.

It probably is not anything like you envisioned. Certainly there are no farms or stacks of hay in the field. There are approximately 17,000 people calling the "Village" home. 

A train runs through the Village providing transportation to and from New York City. The train is just a few steps to the Downtown area. A little further away is Seton Hall University. This is where South Orange borders with Newark. I grew up in that area and have many memories of riding my bike through the Village and up to the top of the Mountain to view the New York Skyline. That was a fabulous view.

As I recall the Police Department was, and is, small. Crime was present, but not a serious problem. Residents were generally well behaved. Those traveling through were a different story. In my job I believe I appeared in the Municipal Court (case related) once or twice.

The above 6 badges I believe I got from a local manufacturer after the Township opted for a new design. My records were lost to cyber space when it crashed. That taught me to go for a better backup system. 

Of the six pictured items you will see two badges for "Chief's". One was for the full Police Department while the second was for the Police Reserve. 

In addition to the "Chief's" badges there  is a Captain and a Lieutenant Badge plus one Special and an Officer Badge. I am missing the Sergeant's Shield. That would complete the set of a Rank Set which would date back to World War Two era.

As with all my "treasures" these badges are displayed in a wooden case that has a glass front. It hangs over my desk where it gets a daily once over that reminds me I am lucky, and proud, to have this fine collection.