AN GARDA SIOCHANA

I’ve been blessed with the ability to enjoy the Golden Years by doing a good deal of traveling, and adding to my badge collection. I’ve been at it close to 50 years. I have learned that “travel” is a great way to make the wife, if not totally enthused about my hobby, to be at least “Tolerant” of my passion.   

This year (2016) she wanted to go to Ireland. Without argument I whipped out the old “Visa Card,” and started doing a little research. Heck, I didn’t even know if they had a Police Dept. or any type of crime problem in Dublin. I did know that is where they make Guinness Beer. Yes, this would be a good trip.

It wasn’t easy working out side trips with the wife planning my walks around Dublin in order to cross paths with sites I that interested me. I planned it so I’d have a free day, but I also needed some real guidance. The International Police Association (IPA) responded to my request for help. It took a little while, but a couple of weeks before departing for Ireland, I was given a name and email. That was all I needed. The IPA hooked me up with an Officer in Dublin. We were “matched” because of our similar interest in collecting Law Enforcement Memorabilia. My wife said, "she was happy" I made this connection.

H S. emailed back and forth with me, prior to my travel date, so we got to know each other’s history and collection interests. Dinner at a Dublin Restaurant managed to work its way into our plan. The wife thought a good meal would be a great way to start enjoying Dublin so she was agreeable. She noted that we sounded like a couple kids talking about “the job.”

Of course we exchanged some items that built a wonderful “Memory” of the Garda, and Dublin. I brought some patches for Harley and his Station House. Most were from US Towns that were named “Dublin.” Finding them was an interesting hunt for me. Watching Harley’s face while he perused them was a joy too. He was happy. My wife was happy we got them through Customs.  She was stressed a little, but she also did a great job packing them!

Well, when it was time for dessert H. presented me with a few trinkets including a fine current Dress Uniform Hat. It’s now on a perch just over my head and keeping an eye on me as I type. Harley also had some Uniform Patches, Buttons and Badges. I was impressed, and so happy I almost had a few tears fall into my Guinness.

Next we talked about travel time for my next day’s trip. H. was handing me off to Officer Stephen Moore. He would meet at the “Pearse Street Station.” It is the oldest Station in Dublin. It literally sits on a thousand years of history. Thank God there were no Vikings swinging axes on our visit. The wife really would not approve of that (Me too).

At the Station all the Garda’s that I encountered asked, “If they could help me.” They really meant it too.  They knew I was to see Stephen Moore, as he is the one that does the private tours and takes care of history.

Moore greeted the wife and I. He got right to it asking,  “If we knew what Garda’ s meant.”  We thought it was police or protectors.” That was a decent start. It didn’t take long to have the full translation. “An Garda Siochana” means: Guardian of the Peace. They are an unarmed force that came into existence in 1922 following a treaty with Great Britain wherein The Irish Free State was created. In 1925 the Dublin Metropolitan Police amalgamated with An Garda Siochana.

Stephen then walked us through History.  The Station House that we were in was originally opened as the Great Brunswick Police Station in 1915. It later became known as the College Station due to its proximity to Trinity College. I promised the wife we would visit the College after our tour on Pearse St.

In 1916 the Station was very active as there were political problems.  World War II was in its early stages. The Irish wanted Independence from Britain, and really had no interest in fighting Germans. They were fighting the British for “their own” Independence.  They agreed to put off their difference with the Crown to fight the Germans, with the understanding that  After the War there would be a free Irish State.

Some of the locals were not united with this plan for Irish Independence. They wanted there “Freedom” now. Others could wait as the Law was in fact on the books granting the Irish their State, but in London it implementation had become delayed, and delayed, and delayed.
In some quarter it was believed that Independence after the War was British rhetoric. From these beliefs came the birth of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, One of its’ leaders was a young Irishman named Padraig Pearse.

On Easter Monday 1916, Pearse gave the order for what has become known as the Easter Rebellion. Pearse wanted to chase the British out of Dublin. After six days of bloody fighting and heavy casualties his fighters were badly beaten. Pearse had no choice, and He gave the order to surrender. He was quickly tried and executed,   but he became a  National Hero.

In 1924 Dublin renamed the Street, where College Station stood, to Pearse Street in honor of Padraig Pearse. In 1965 College Station was renamed “Pearse Street Station” as part of the Celebrations for the 50^th Anniversary of the Easter Uprising that started just outside the doors of the police station.

Now I am sure a got a couple of mistakes in this history of War, Riots, Treason, and Nationalism, but it was fascinating.   I could tell Stephen Moore certainly enjoyed explaining “his” history. I enjoyed it myself. Even the wife learned a tad and got herself involved taking a picture of Garda Moore and me.

Last but not least was a large medal hanging on the wall issued to the force for winning a major Tug Of War Championship.  I took a picture of it, and then said my goodbyes to Stephen, who in a couple short hours revealed himself to be a man captured by his job and its history. I am Glad to call him friend. I also am glad to call H. S.  a friend too. He and the International Police Association (IPA) went the extra mile to make sure the wife and I enjoyed our visit to Dublin. We hope you enjoyed sharing the  "memories" we collected, and the pictures below.

(Display Case holding items given myself, - Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Garda Hat Badge similar to the one Spackman presented as a gift. Modled by authors Grandson – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Medium size Garda Uniform Badges that adorns Dress Uniforms. – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Vest Patch, equivalent of our “POLICE” markings on vests.  – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(International Police Assoc, Ireland Patch. The organization is very much involved  with the Garda, and was a most valuable asset in planning this trip. – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Stephen Moore outside main entrance to Pearse Street Station – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Sculpture carved above door to Pearse Street Station – Dennis Beyer Photograph)

(Second Sculpture over entry to Pearse Street Station  - Dennis Beyer Photo)

(PC NEWS, Staff Writer, Dennis Beyer at Front Desk – Lois Beyer Photo)

(Tug Of War 1894 Championship Medallion – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(A relic from The 1916 Easter Uprising. This Grenade was one of ten found in a sub floor of the Station. They were discovered in 1985 with this one being, one of two presented to the Pearse Street Station for display. – Photo by Dennis Beyer)

(Stephen Moore presenting Dennis Beyer with a book he authored,  titled “100 Pearse Street, A Centenary Celebration of Policing in the City” – Lois Beyer Photo)

 

(Pearse Street Station  - donated picture)

 

(Pearse Street Station, side view – donated photo)

*****

WHERE IS MY CAR

Well I know exactly where my Buick is at the moment. I take good care of it and lock it up real good at night.

When I was younger and working I had some real worries about my vehicle. It seems like no car was safe in Newark. I believe Newark had the dubious distinction of being the Stolen Car Capital of the US.

The problem started early in the 1900's as my "Stolen Automobile" report and the "Newark Police Bulletin # 61" indicate. These reports, now antiques, are framed and usually taken to the various Shows for display. I am quite please with these documents as they are in pretty good shape.

The documents date back almost 70 years. One might guess the most popular car in Newark at the time in terms of the theft measurement was the FORD. But what was the second most popular vehicle stolen back in 1922.The report indicates it was a "TOURING" model of either Studebaker, Mitchell or Stevens automobile.

Remember to always lock your car even though America is safe no matter where you are!  At some locations our friendly citizens stand by corners just to wash you cars' windows and flash you a smile.

Don't forget to tip ! 

ORLANDO, THE VACATION CAPITAL, HOSTS POLICE COLLECTORS AT ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL

This is certainly a regular event for yours truly. I love the Show, but wish they could move Orlando closer to Naples.

Well after my ride up the Gulf Coast and then inland to Orlando the wife and I checked into the Rosen Plaza Hotel. These guys have been the regular hosts over the years, and they certainly are doing a good job for the exhibitors who took up Ballroom "B."

I took a couple tables and put out some of my Jersey Collection. I focus on Newark and tried to balance the display with a little of everything.

I had badges and patches, but that is what I always bring. I added some hardware, pictures and "paper items" that I have, for no other reason than, I like it. Take a peek at some of the better pictured items below. They include a "Stolen Car Report" from 1921,  a B>O>L>O> Card, with picture and finger prints, and an Electric Bill from 1896.

I also brought some unusual badges to put on display. Give a look at these non-police shields of authority. They are part of my "Unique Newark Items".  Back in the day if you messed around the "Inspector, Bureau of Streets," could grab your butt and turn you over to the "Foreman, Division of Sanitation" who in turn would drive you over to the "Plumbing Investigator" who would hose you down, before locking you up for the night in the care of the City "Stable Supervisor."

After making sure my items were arranged right, I left the wife in charge and told her, to have a good time and, only sell my Cleveland Lieutenant Uniform. Its pictured in here somewhere. You will have to hunt for it.  I went off to see some old friends and exhibitors.

Doug Sarubbi and his daughter were the hosts and Guardians of the Door. They checked my name off, as usual, and then sent me to my tables.

I stopped to chat with old friend  Chad from Jacksonville, and then onto Keith Bushey. There were more Collectors there and I gabbed as much as I could. While on the prowl, I met John Doran who is pictured below shaking hands with me. John is from Scotland. He was nice enough to allow a picture of his badge. It is marked "Semper Vigilo".

As I walked, I enjoyed all the exhibits and just talking about them, the history and that magnet that pulls us all together. It's special and I hope you all know what I am talking about.

Now take a look at some of the items I saw during my visit to the 2016 Orlando Police Collectors Show.

  

That Seal above, comes from a real important Office, in our good old USA. I understand that the current office holder was invited to view our Show, but had a prior date for golf,  and he would not be able to break away. That left Doug Sarubbi to call the names and make the presentations to this years winners. They are:

Best Badge Award went to Steve Srozinski for his eight table display of Jacksonville Police Department, Duval County Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Florida badges

        

                     

Best Patch Award went to George Manosis for his display of US Customs, DEA, Border Patrol and Foreign patches.

                        

                                      

Best Overall Display went to Jeff Peeler for his awesome display of Florida Highway Patrol badges, patches, photos, cars, license plates and memorabilia

The lucky winner of the patch drop with about 35 cool patches was Paul Goldstein

                                

This was a great show and we hope to see everyone again in 2017.

RUTHERFORD MARSHAL

I have been fortunate this year to be able to find some Marshal Badges that can go in my unique Jersey Marshal Collection. I started my focus on these Municipal Marshal Badges over the last couple of years.

These Badges issued in certain communities between 1880's and 1950's. They were the predecessor of the local police department.

The badge featured above is from the Borough of Rutherford, NJ. That is the home of Giant Stadium where Jimmy Hoffa was rumored to be buried. Other then that sad story Rutherford is a nice community located in northern N.J.

It is a "bedroom" community with a population of 18,000. Its a short ride over the (GWB) George Washington Bridge to upper Manhattan. When Mom and Dad are at work the Rutherford Police patrol the community and make sure all is well. They have their own, newer badges.

The item pictured above is an older badge from the time of the
Marshal. It is a beauty, and in excellent condition.


The badge is silver tone designed as a large circle covering the body of an Eagle. The birds head is very large at the top, while there is a tiny number panel covering the tail. This one has number "165" recessed with black fill. In the outer edge of the circle is the word "MARSHAL" over the name of the community "RUTHERFORD."

At the moment I have twenty-two municipalities represented in my "Municipal Marshal Collection." This badge has found a home. It resides in a nice display case covered with glass. It looks good on my wall and always brings some nice memories to enjoy on a daily basis.

DO DRUGS - THEN REGISTER WITH POLICE

It was the law!  If you did drugs you had to register with the police. I don't know what they do today. Probably like fishing - Catch and Release !

Newark took this seriously back in the day. They almost put Kodak out of business due to all the film they used to take photos of all the fine upstanding people that filled their narcotic registry in 1950.

The card above shows six head shots (mug shot) of an individual with his name and gallery number. There also is a small folder to hold and protect the picture. This one was taken on July 18, 1952.

I have this original mug shot framed and ready to go to the Orlando Show to use as as one of my display items.

NJ TURNPIKE

For all these years posting pictures and telling stories about the badges I have collected I never mentioned the New Jersey Turnpike in any detail. God knows I wouldn't have been able to travel South or North in my Garden State. Still I didn't mention it.

The Pike was built in my life time - 1949. I guess they started construction just after WW II. That sounds like it was created as a job maker rather then travel necessity.

It begins in Fort Lee, NJ at the George Washington Bridge, and travels to its' terminus at Carneys Point, NJ. That is a course of 123 miles. With all the Cars, Trucks and Buses it is the 6th busiest road in our good old United States.

The Turnpike uses State Police for its' enforcement needs, however (the reason for this entire article) The Turnpike Authority maintained its own police force. Toll collecting was the primary job.

So (getting closer to the point of this story) with a police unit there had to be uniforms and a command structure. Of course there would be Badges. I have a rank set (that's the point).

Here is what the collection looks like as a group. At the top is the "Captain" badge, with his lapel pins for his rank. Underneath and working down are the breast and hat badges for: "Lieutenant," Sergeant," and "Toll Collector."

Naturally each badge shown is unique because, at the bottom of the circular panel, is the number "1949". That represents the year the Turnpike Authority was created.

Below the badges are shown up nice and close. They look nice.

I can't say this is a display I always craved having. The badges are nice and do trigger some nice memories of drives in the summer to various points on the Jersey Shore. The main attraction was Atlantic City. That triggers even more memories.

It looks like I am beginning to get "trigger happy' with those memories and such, so I'll stop and put the display away. It can keep me tuned into the world sitting next to the rest of my collection.