Friday, January 1, 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR



TO MY FRIENDS IN BLUE

MAY YOU HAVE

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

IN

2016

Monday, December 28, 2015

REMEMBERING FRIENDS


Another year has come, and gone. It's time to give a moment or two to remember friends and famly who have passed on. The above picture is of the "opening" of the N.P.D. Police Academy on 18th Ave. in Newark. It too has gone its way. It still holds many memories, so I thought I would share it here.


My first post remembering was in regard to the loss of a friend who was retired from Newark. Frank Donaghy was a badge collector too. He helped me with my collection, and other collectors as well.

Frank's grand-daughter drew the picture below. It makes a very nice memory. 


A couple of months ago I displayed a "Command Citation" awarded Frank for disarming a terrorist bomb attributed to the Puerto Rican Group known as "FALN." They made the newspapers along the Washington DC- Boston corridor way back in the 1970's. They just weren't called "Terrorists" back then, but they certainly do qualify. Frank told me the story of how He disarmed the pipe bomb. Glad he didn't run.

While I remember Frank, and my Dad, Herman Beyer, Det. NPD, I know there are many more names to note here. 2015 was a very bad year for those who carry a badge. I can only ask for a prayer and offer thanks.

Friday, December 25, 2015

KEN TOLER OFFERS NICE WEB SITE FOR COLLECTORS

I've been doing this "Blog Thing" for eight years now. I do it mostly for myself. I find it a neat way to chronicle the badges I have collected and put them into some sort of context.

As I look at each badge I found that they generated a memory for me. That turns out to be the greatest reason to continue. Some of these memories I share with PC News. You might want to check that paper out and perhaps my column: ""Collecting Memories."

I have also found that there are quite a few collectors out there that check this site on a regular basis. I can't tell you how good I feel when someone writes back to ask a question or two. Some even answer one of my questions.

One of the better calls I received was from some Sheriff in Oklahoma asking for some help identifying an old badge that was found in his County. Sure enough I recognized it in a nano-second. He was thrilled. He kept his badge, but sent me a patch. That's a good deal, and now it is a good memory.

Anyway, one of you recently wrote and, under no duress, acknowledged that he read and enjoyed this blog. Ken Toler, a fellow collector,  also shared his website, which you might find interesting. In turn I share it with you. The address and link are below.



Thursday, December 24, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR

At the tick of the clock we bring in another year. From here we wish all a great, and safe 2016

*****

Sunday, November 22, 2015

UNITED AIRLINE POLICE

Here is an item that is one Badge that I always have loved. When I got it I hung it, almost immediately, in a prominent location in my home. It was up on the wall so I could hear those distress calls from the wife: "Too Many Stinking Badges - Get Rid of Some."
I've been hearing that Battle Cry for 60 years now, but these Badges are: My hobby, and they don't stink, and they're staying ! They bring me memories and that, of course, is what I really collect.

Back to the badge. The Wife found it in a Church sale. She paid $18. That was a good price back then. She got it for my birthday. That made this Badge way more meaningful.

The Badge was on a card with the notes "United - Newark."  I take that to be United Airlines. They were located in Newark, way before the existence of the "New York and New Jersey Port Authority." That gives some idea of the age of this old badge.

It is a smart looking "Sunburst" design, however there is also an Eagle on top. The words on it are clear: "POLICE - U.A.L."  In the number box is # 53. To top it all off it is in excellent condition, just look at the picture.

I keep this one, certainly under glass, in "my museum" where I talk to it every day. Well, almost every day. I sure did today as its' my birthday again, and I said, "Thank You to my Wife" for buying it for me some forty years ago. Now that's a nice memory and it gives license for the Wife to go to as many Church sales as she wants.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

MOUNT UP AND RIDE!


The above picture (copy) was recently obtained. It is Newark Mounted Police leaving their Stable area.

My Dad also rode with the Mounted Squad around 1927. I have his picture on the horse named Ginger. That is it below.



Following a few years on "Mounted" my father moved to the new Newark Radio unit. At the time radio operators had to be licensed, and guess what? Dad had a license.

Over the years collecting badges I came across the unique badge pictured below. It was also from the Stables where Newark kept their Police Horses.  

This is a unique badge, but clearly a Newark item per its' markings and Seal. It may not be a "police" item as the badge is stamped "Dept of Public Works."  I have seen this design used once before by the same City Department.  It is a one of a kind. At least I have not seen another one like it.




*****

Thursday, October 1, 2015

CLASSIC CAR RIDE TO AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME



Oct 3 (rain date Oct 10) is going to be an important day for all Law Enforcement Officers.

To promote a new initiative for wounded officers a Classic Car Show will put on stage by driving their antique cars from the Harley Davidson Store in Sandford, Fl. to the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville.

A Motorcycle Squadron will make sure the Classic Cars don't exceed speed limits  escorting them for the entire ride.

Cars may enter the event for $40 and Motorcycles will pay $25 per rider.

This Show and the wounded Officer endeavor is led by Peter Hernandez,  Founder & President. Peter is an active officer with the Windemere, Fl. Police Dept.

The group may be contacted through there web site shown below:



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