NEW YEARS GREETINGS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2020 is here. Best wishes to all.

I trust this will be a good and a healthy year for those of us in the hobby. I have in the past enjoyed going to the various shows in S.E. USA, and hope to do so again. Health is the key.

The wife and I are going to be changing who rides "Shotgun" in a couple of weeks. We are starting a full attack on Cataracts. It is something that seems to be hitting a lot of my friends, but we rebound quickly. I'll do the same (I hope).  Thank God for Insurance.

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO HAVE ENDED THEIR WATCH

It has been a several years since one of my friends answered his last call.  In his memory his grand-daughter drew the picture below. It still makes a very nice memory. 

  Miss you guys!

*****

TOP COP: TRENTON

TOP COP: TRENTON, NJ,  DEPUTY CHIEF

By  Dennis Beyer

Okay, it has been a while since I wrote about those badges in my "Top Cop Collection." So I am catching up, and noted here is only two left. So here is the next one. It is from Trenton, NJ.

Trenton is New Jersey's Capital, and a pretty important City in our National History. It's fame started initially with George Washington, and his troops, successfully pulling off a surprise attack on Hessian Soldiers on Christmas Eve Dec. 25, 1776. This battle turned the Revolutionary War around setting us Rebels on the path for Victory against Britain.

Washington will always be remembered for leading his men, in that famous frigid cruise, across the  Delaware River. In the years that followed,  Trenton served as a meeting  place for delegates working to establish a new country. In fact Trenton actually served as our Capital for two months in late 1784. It was also a major candidate to be our permanent Capital, but settled to be the State Capital instead.

I enjoyed many experiences in Trenton during my career. It was the home of the Supreme Court, and its Administrative Offices.  They ruled my life first as a Probation Officer, and ultimately as Chief Probation Officer. I never had contact with the City's Police. That's because I always behaved myself despite what the Court may think. 

Lets take a look at the nice badge I got from another collector a few years ago. It is a "sunburst" with an "Eagle" on top. There is a panel at the top that  reads "DEPUTY CHIEF." 

In the center is a gold tone ring with the words: "POLICE DEPT. TRENTON NJ." 

At the center of this badge, in blue with reverse blue lettering, is the "City Seal." The tiny words are "Seal of the City of Trenton, 1788."  Trenton is one of only a few Cities that uses a "City Seal" on their badges. Most use the N.J.  State Seal.

Studying this fine badge, and a couple other beautiful shields from my Capital City, I do recall one fabulous memory in 1994. It was a terrible day as far as weather goes. We had a meeting early in the morning. One usually has to stay at these sessions until around 4:00 PM. On this day the powers to be, waiting until 2:00 PM,  determined we were in a blizzard and sent everyone home. Great it was cold, and traffic was terrible on US 1. It took me hours to get home. It is one of those horrible memories that stick with you.When I did get home there was a message from my County Court: "They closed at 12:00 Noon", and wanted "to make sure I knew." I got this message at 7:00 PM!  That was thrilling to hear, and certainly is one of those memories I have.

The two badges below are not "Top Cops." They are early Trenton Badges that I have as part of my City Collection. I thought they would be a nice fit to go with my featured Deputy Chief Badge. Note these badges also have the City Seal at the center. Enjoy looking at them. I know I do.

CHRISTMAS TRINKETS FOR SALE SALE

Christmas Season is upon us, and  "now is the time for this Collector to clean out his collection, and move some fine badges on to others in the Hobby.
 

This set of two badges, pictured above,  comes from my New Jersey Marshall Collection. They are duplicates, and not actually in the Display. I have built "My Marshal's"over the years and in so doing I accumulated some extras. Now I can move these two on to another collector.

These Badges were made in the early 1900's following N.J.'s creating the "Borough" form of Government. When communities created "Police Departments" these badges were phased out. The above Badges are from the Communities of CARLSTADT and TENAFLY, NJ

ASKING  $125  (For Above Set of Two)
CONTACT: Dennis at  "jerseychief@gmail.com

NCIS PARENT BADGE

I found this badge in Orlando. It was on a collector's table "for sale." One look and I had to have it. Of course I cajoled Mr. H. to let it go cheap.

Now, this "AGENT" for the "NAVAL INTELLIGENCE" sits in the hutch on my desk. That's where I keep treasures that are not my main focus - Newark, NJ.

I trust you enjoy looking at this picture of this great looking badge, which I am told was the forerunner of the current NCIS Badge. I like the TV show too.

If somebody likes it, I could be persuaded to let it go to another good home. Send an offer to:

 "jerseychief@gmail.com"

*****

COLLECTING MEMORIES - POLICE SURGEON

I obtained this beautiful Badge a couple of months ago from another collector. He is downsizing, as am I. My wife wonders, " How can you downsize, if you keep on buying Stuff?"

Well, this Newark "POLICE SURGEON" item hardly falls in the category of "Stuff." Just give it a "quick eyeball", and you will observe, that this Badge is made in the very rare design used for the making of The Chief's Badge. Of course there are no stars across the top.

Giving this shield a closer look,  one will note that, it is heavy. It is gold plated, but that doesn't give it the weight,  that I mentioned to my wife. I just knew saying "solid gold finish" sounded better to her,  then truthfully saying, gold plated. The point is, this Badge has a real nice finish on its' solid frame.

A quick flip, to the rear,  reveals a nice smooth back, with a locking pin. The closer look, with my big magnifying glass, showed the name "Blackinton."  That was the correct makers mark. It appears in the upper right rear corner of third picture. 

Looking at the front of the Badge the eye will see a Blue Ring about the size of a "half-dollar." It is large, and surrounds the City Seal. The words around the ring read: Police Department, City Of Newark, NJ.  Beneath this ring with the Seal, is a single panel that simply reads "SURGEON."

I traced the existence of this title back to the late 1800's. I was able to review a Newark Police "Annual Report for 1893", and at that time there was one Surgeon listed in the table of organization. That would be J. Henry Clarke, M.D.

Dr. Clarke, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1893,   submitted a three page report.  He stated that for that year he complied  "... responded to all calls from the four precincts, day and night, and he has endeavored to give all necessary, prompt and proper attention to every case."  His statistics shows he handled for the year a "total number of cases - 1134."


It would appear that Dr. Clarke, judging from his sharp words, was a strong advocate for  Police Officers. He wrote about work conditions and chastised the Board of Police Commissioners for failing "to obtain a new and suitable building and location for the Second Precinct." "I would condemn the present building and location."

This bit of History by Dr. Clarke really made my old bones feel good. The Good Surgeon was doing the same for Newark Police Officers one hundred years ago. I'll be sure to remember that, when I look at this fine Badge which has now joined my Collection. I am proud to have this POLICE SURGEON Badge hanging on my wall in a fitting glass display.

ORLANDO ONCE AGAIN

Annual Police Badge and Patch Show
September 7, 2019

Labor Day is the usual sign that summer is ending. It also is the time of year that, the "Mighty Badge Collectors" from the South, all converge on Orlando, FL.  September 7, 2019 found yours truly present with around one hundred other collectors.  

As always the Show is at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive. It's a nice Hotel, and they always offer a good price for a room. I like it, and I enjoy the Shops and Restaurants across the street too.

I always look forward to the main event which was on Saturday, September 7.  But I must say, "It is getting harder, and harder to make the trip. I swear the miles between Naples and Orlando increase every year. Lois, my wife, says, "It's time to slow down." I had a helper for a couple of years, but He quit. So now, its just Lois and me. She will let me attend for a couple more years. 

This year we took only two tables and I certainly filled it with my treasures from the Newark Police Dept. My dad served there for thirty-seven years. He retired as a Detective.     

Doug Sarubbi, as everyone knows, is the Primary Sponsor of this show. Doug summoned our attention around 10:00 AM. It was sad news that he conveyed to us. He announced the Death of a long time friend of this Show, and our Hobby. He was a motorcycle officer and patch collector. 

This display was made by Rob Jackson in Memory of our Friend - Jim Stewart. After Doug's announcement John Holmes asked for a moment of silence. 

After settling in, I spent some quality time just talking with fellow collectors. I like talking, but I had to be real careful  around John W.  Holmes. When I talked to him, he kept selling me 'item after item'.  John is one of the Show's Founders, and just a great guy.  Somehow John talked me into becoming the owner of the two fine badges shown below, as well as the middle initial of his name.

John W Holmes is pictured here, along with Two of the Several Badges I purchased from him.

The first badge I purchased from John is from the U.S. Navy. It is for the title "Naval Investigator," which was the predecessor for N.C.I.S.

The second badge purchased from John is from Pensacola, Fl. When John showed it to me,  I just was stricken with the colors in this impressive shield. Red, White, and Blue. Can't be any better then that!

After Mr Holmes released my ear I just took my time walking around the ballroom. There were exhibits all over the entire room. In a few minutes I  focused on Rick Amos (pictured here).  Rick is always at these shows. He and his wife bring some high quality badges for our enjoyment. He always has a smile, and he also has great things to talk about. I like that. 

Lois, My wife, kept an eye on my exhibit while I walked some more. I saw Sam Goldstein, and Eric Wollman (New York Minute, P.C. News). They were enjoying themselves. Naturally there were also some new guys in the room too.

 I found representatives of a Wood Fabricating Business, and they do work that supports our hobby's interest. They are MES MAKERS and their products can be located online at: www.facebook.com/MesMakers/ 

Another example of the work that MES MAKERS enterprise produces.

I also brought a Badge from the Old West which I have had the pleasure of hanging on my wall for over a decade. It is a sterling silver Presentation Badge that dates to 1912, when New Mexico became a State. It belonged to Chief Deputy US Marshal, Horace W. Loomis. 

He enjoys a spot in History stemming from the fact that, he killed the Outlaw Code(y) Young. The Outlaw was a member of the "Infamous High Five Gang." 

Loomis, while "Still Hunting" (undercover),  also had a hand in the capture of "Bronco Billy" Walters, another Outlaw terrorizing Arizona, and New Mexico in the 1890's. Anyone interested in purchasing this Badge, the asking price is $7500. 

Shortly after the last award was presented the wife advised,  "It's  time to move along."  I did so without talking back. I know better, and I know she, and GPS, will get me here again next year to share more good memories.

The Show has a Patch Drop for our exhibitors. This usually starts the presentation of Awards. John Holmes pulled out the name of this years winner - Charles Wallace. He is a Deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and  a happy man with his win. He is pictured below with the box containing all those Patches.       

In a back corner of the room was a fine display of Patches. It belonged to Jeff Peeler who insisted I take a good picture of him. That's it above.

I know he is happy with the picture, especially since He won the Show's Award for Best Patch Display.  That is Jeff pictured below, with parts of his display. He is also pictured with Doug and John who presented he Award. I know Jeff is one happy gentleman.  

  

              

The next  winner was for the Best Badge Display  He was Lewis Surrey. He had a huge collection that stood over several tables. We have conversed over the years, so I know how proud he was to receive this trophy from Doug and John. 

                                     

 

The Award that followed was the Big One. It is the Trophy for the Best Overall Display. This year the Award was presented by our Sponsors Doug and John to Steve Srozinski. They are pictured below, and Steve sure enough looks very happy with his 2019 Trophy. Steve's display was of badges and patches from Florida with a large concentration on Jacksonville. 

Dad got me started as a collector over 50 years ago. I saved him a seat at my table, so he could take it all in with me. Under his watchful eye,  One more memory,  landed on Our Table - A Trophy for Honorable Mention at this years Show. This was the first year for this award. It was presented by Doug Sarubbi and John Holmes. I (Dennis Beyer) was the proud winner of my Newark , N.J. Exhibits.