NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: RANK SET OF ESSEX PROBATION BADGES

Essex County (N.J.) is where I grew up. It was where I started a career in probation in 1965. I had to purchase my own badge, due to budgetary issues, back then. Over the years I bought more than one. It is only natural that I obtained these badges from this department as part of my collection.

The four shields pictured represent the rank groups that were authorized badges. The four ranks are: Officer, Principal Officer, Assistant Chief, and Chief. These were the only badges issued in a uniform manor, with appropriate record keeping in place.

Prior to this issue of the pictured badges a few shields were purchased by the department, or officer, and recycled. This practice died in the 60's. From then until the late 80's everyone was on their own. Some officers did not have badges, but most purchased 'something.'

Uniformity was non existent. Officers purchased what they liked or what they could afford. The department maintained no records of these private purchases. In the late 1980's that changed, as the department approved the design in the badges pictured here. Records were also kept.

H Buchlien & Son made the badges in this rank set. They made the official badges from the mid 80's until 1994. Hard to believe that was fifteen years ago when the County probation departments became part of a State run system. The State took about a year or so to issue their own badge rendering these beauties obsolete.

There are not many collectors of probation badges. That makes obtaining them extremely difficult, but it also makes those that have been acquired a true treasure. These four have a prominent spot, under glass in my museum, and certainly bring back fond memories.

THE OLD COURTESY CARD

How many times have you heard someone say that they got pulled over for doing 98 in 25 mph zone, or something like that. Usually they exaggerate a little because, as they explain: "I had my old courtesy card my friend gave me." "The officer let me go with a warning."

Well in my life I never got pulled over for speeding. At least I won't admit it. My memory is very fuzzy on such subjects. I had to use my own cars to do the job. I had at fist a Chevy S/S with "four on the floor." I later graduated to the slick Pontiac Firebird. This one had an automatic "tranny" with the shift in a neat floor console. These cars could do a lot better than 98 mph, but there weren't many locations to do better than the speed limit,, except out on the highways.

There were a few major roads that skirted the City Limits. Down by the airport US 1, US 22 and The NJ Turnpike all came together. Newark Police patrolled these highways and effectively deterred speeders. The City was serious about this so, instead of buying the usual Ford or Chevy, the City spent some real dollars and purchased a couple of Chrysler 300's, with five speed manual transmissions. I understand these cars were outrun by nobody.

My specialty was parking. As a Probation Officer I found it necessary to park illegally in order to do the job, especially in Newark. It was just not safe to find a legal spot to park your car, and then walk a half block or so, to a poorly maintained 'walk up,' unlighted, multiple family castle. In situations like this the "Courtesy Card" was of no help, an official placard on the windshield only invited trouble, and occasionally the "ticket patrol" got you.

If you parked legally on the job there was a good chance you could lose your car. Newark on a few occasions has lead national statistics for auto theft. In addition to simple theft of a your vehicle there was a very real possibility of having the car vandalized. While you were interviewing some druggie in his lavish palace, his neighborhood pals could be: cutting tire valves, breaking a window, mirror, antenna, taking the battery, or just running a screw driver along the side of the car. This was common practice on the streets of Newark, and you had to find ways to deal with it. On many occasions the illegal parking spot was a good choice.

The logic behind unsanctioned illegal parking was for the officer (usually working solo) to get in, and get out as quick as possible. Do the job, and don't hang there any longer than necessary.

The problem with this tactic was the occasionally ticket. Dealing with that was preferred over losing the car. In these situations a sympathetic judge was better than the old courtesy card. Pictured above is a really old "NJ State P.B.A." card for local 3. This card was for "Honorary Membership" for the year 1945. It is in "like new" condition and, while not a badge, has a spot in my collection.

The badge, also pictured above, is "supposedly" from the "gang" that patrolled the parking meters around City Hall. It too is in excellent condition, although I have my doubts about it being authentic. I have had it close to thirty years so I think I will keep it as it reminds me of a few tickets obtained around City Hall, and Newark Municipal Court.

NEWARK COLLECTOR DELIVERED GET WELL CAKE FROM 1500 MILES AWAY

In the Sep. - Oct. edition of PC News, this writer displayed a picture of a badge from "Dreamland" in Newark, N.J. With the picture was a story about the famous Newark Roller Skating arena, that was turned into a Senior Citizen Home. The seniors had at least one guard to watch out for them, and that guards badge made its way into "the collection" about thirty years ago. It is from the late 1940's.

A fellow collector of Newark Badges saw the article and sent a very nice note regarding his memories of the area, and his responding as a Newark Police Officer to that location on many occasions. He is Frank Doneghy.

Since sending that note he and I have been trading emails. The badge talk has sparked memories of different people we both knew. Sharing those conversations, 1500 miles apart, has made the badge collector world move a little closer for both of us.

In Frank's last email he told me he was getting a "knee job" up near his home in Jersey. The surgery as I hear went well, and I surprised him with this cake.

My daughter, Denise, gave it to him as she is the nurse on his case. He was sure surprised with the explanation as to who arranged this Get Well Cake for him. I certainly hope it lifts his spirits.

FOR MARY: "YOUR BOSS IS CRAZY"

It was a cold November day when I heard a voice behind me in the County Parking Deck. The man calling said: "I have something for you." He opened his briefcase and he handed me two fine badges for the collection he admired - mine.

One of the "contributions" is pictured above. I showed it in a previous article. It's a Newark Hat Badge that was used roughly 1900 to 1920, and is in excellent condition.

The second badge was issued to the man prior to his appointment to the Superior Court. He is still a sitting Judge so it might be wise not to display that second badge here. He gave me these badges because of donations I made to the Newark FOP Museum.

I appreciated these gifts so when Christmas rolled around I just had to repay 'his honor'. I knew exactly what would make him happy - A badge that read NJ Superior Court and his name on top. I put it in a small box and had his secretary place it in the middle of his desk. I told her: "Don't say who brought this over (to his chambers).

Within 15 minutes my secretary, Mary, came into my office with a message. She said, "The Judge" called and said to her that: "Your boss is 'f........ crazy." That meant he knew where his little present came from, and that he liked it. He even took me out for lunch.

Both badges are secured under glass. They always remind me of that cold November when I got them, and that unique message acknowledging the gift. They also remind me of Mary. She ran my office, always watched my back, and helped me survive in my job.

I was lost when she resigned for greener pastures. That's life. We talked to each other to catch up on things once or twice a year. She even visited my home in Florida after I retired. Mary was a good woman, and a friend.

A couple of years ago during the Thanksgiving holiday she became a homicide victim. So much for greener pastures. What a shock, and what horrible timing. Then again there never is a good time to become another victim.

As Thanksgiving approaches I'll think of the good times when this fine lady worked for me. I'll also think of her when I look at a couple of very special badges in my little collection.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE - 1968

Looking at the badges in my collection frequently brings up memories. These two are no different. They are not a matching set, but close. The Hat Badge is stamped number "4," and the beautiful "Inspector's Badge" is numbered "24." Both of these items clearly show the City Seal of Newark, NJ. They are under glass with my other badges collected over the years from the City of Newark.

These items as I understand it are for non fireman within the Newark Fire Department. They date back to the late 1960's, and were used by officers who primarily focused on fire risk evaluation. When I first obtained them, I had the thought that this was from the "Arson Squad."

Today when I look at these badges a memory pops up that has absolutely nothing to do with these badges. The thought that the writer gets is the fires of 1968, and the role of a member of Newark's Fire Department.

Martin Luther King was murdered that year, and across the nation there was concern that people could become unruly. A good friend told me his father, a fireman with NFD, warned of dangers that could follow the burial of the civil rights leader. He was correct.

As my friend has told me many times his father was home in the Vailsburg section of the City when the call came. He was assigned to Engine 12, located at Belmont Ave and Waverly Street. The old Fire House is pictured above. It is now empty. The street names have also been changed. They are now Irvine Turner Blvd and Muhammad Ali Way.

Once the call came my friends' Dad reported to the Fire House at Sandford Ave. and Palm Street. There he rode Engine 6C to a fire at So. Orange Ave, and Howard St. They responded to a house fire. Their Engine was the second to arrive at the scene.

My friends' Dad led a hose team to the second floor of a previously burned out building. It was filled with smoke. As he moved forward he stepped on a carpet that covered a hole in the floor. He fell through striking a rafter, dislocating a shoulder and literally hung over the flames below, until help arrived.

The man survived and returned to work but in a new assignment. He was now an Arson Investigator. This was his job for the next 14 years.

Today he has his retirement badge, and there is no way he is going to part with it. I understand what it means to him. The items above will just have to continue to remind me of 1968, and the numerous incidents that took place during this time frame. Shots were fired, and fires were set; but this time it was lightly reported, and when it was, it was called just a matter of some Civil Disobedience.

By the way I did get a badge from the Arson Investigators son. It took a lot of nagging and a couple of threats. It's all part of collecting.

NON TRADITIONAL BADGES FROM NEWARK

Believe it or not these two badges have made their way into my collection of Newark badges.

The first one (below) is an impressive little wallet badge that is solid backed, with proper hallmark. It reads: "Div of Water, Dept of Public Works, Plumbing Investigator, NJ." In the center is a worn City of Newark Seal that is still easy to read.

I chuckle thinking of someone banging on a door in Newark stating: "Plumbing Investigator, I am here to check your pipes." If they did, they warrant appreciation for there efforts.

This second badge (upper right) was made for a Newark Municipal Court Judge. It was acquired over 20 years ago, and is believed to have never been issued to "His Honor." Reportedly the man was appointed to a higher court, and this item was left behind undelivered. It was an inexpensive purchase from the manufacturer, and yet one that is a great addition to the writers Newark Collection.

The design appears to be very old, and has blue enamel lettering, and, of course, a City of Newark Seal. Even though the design appears old this badge is probably no more than 25 -30 years of age.

1900 NEWARK HAT BADGE

Here is a dandy old Newark Hat Badge.

I recall obtaining it in the mid 1990's "in appreciation" for a couple of donations I made to the F.O.P. Museum. I got this gift in a rainy parking lot in New Brunswick, NJ. Strange how the badge made its' way through time and geography to become part of my Newark Collection.

These hat badges originally came on the scene around 1900 and stayed in service approximately twenty years (1921). It is in excellent condition, although not quite as bright as in the picture.

Just above the large numbers (493) is a panel that contains the words: "Liberty and Prosperity." Above that panel is a clear view of a Seal. This is the State Seal of N.J. On most Newark items the City Seal is used.

This one for having survived all these years deserves and has received a nice spot "under glass" in my own personal museum.