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.
