TOY OR REAL BADGE

This is a nice Old Radiator Badge.

I purchased this item a couple years ago. I was hoping to prove that it was from Newark, NJ. I can't do that. It could be from anywhere they used this style badge.

You can see the clear letters that spell out POLICE on an angular stamped panel. At the top of the badge is the word JUVENILE, but those letters are much smaller.

The question here is what Police Departments' had staff designated as "Juvenile Police Officer."  I searched some N.P.D. records,  and saw that the Police Force had a handful of officers "detailed as Truant Officers". Of course that doesn't add up to the words I was looking for, but the date was right - 1893 (Annual Report).

Like I wrote above,  "This is a nice Old Radiator Badge." I won't place it with items that I know to be Newark, so I just might be willing to let it go to another collector. If there is an interest drop me a note at:  

jerseychief@gmail.com

For now I'll keep it. Maybe I'll make in a Memory of those days long behind me when I was chased by the "Truant Officer."

SPACE COAST BADGE AND PATCH SHOW STILL A "GO !" - SEPTEMBER 5th

ORLANDO SHOW STILL A GO

By Doug Sarubbi

I wanted to give you an update on our Sept. 5, 2020 “Vacation Capital Police Collectors Show”. The show is still a GO. I have been in contact with the hotel and working very closely concerning safety measures in light of COVID-19.

The hotel is providing us with a bigger space – actually two rooms – this will allow 12 feet of distance between tables. In addition, we will have hand sanitizer stations at the show entrance. The hotel is strictly following all CDC recommendations for the safely of their guests. Orange County currently has a mandatory mask requirement for people in public, so we are asking you all too please wear a mask at all times. This mandate could change prior to the show. I will keep you updated. I will have a limited number of masks available for anyone who forgets.

The show hours have been changed and will start an hour earlier – at 8 a.m. – and close at 3 p.m. Set up will begin at 630 a.m. With these new measures, the hotel is asking me for the full payment for the ballroom, 30 days prior to the show. If you have reserved a table, please send your full amount as soon as possible to confirm.

Doing so will allow us to proceed in organizing an awesome and safe show.

The last day to reserve hotel rooms is Aug. 5. We have already doubled the confirmed room reservations from last year. That’s a very good sign of the attendance we are expecting. The rate is good for 3 days prior to the show and 3 days after. Free parking for all.

We are excited to continue the show despite the challenges. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Safe Travels, Your Show Host.

NYC SHOOTOUT REVISITED 89 YEARS LATER, STORY SURFACES FROM DETECTIVES SCRAPBOOK

Three N.Y.P.D. Detetives wounded on Oct. 19, 1931. They are Det. James
DeFerraro, Det. Guido Pessagano, and Det. Edward Willi. 

* * * * *

Earlier this year I was able to "rescue" an old Newark Police Log Book from the garbage. The book was used originally as a Precinct Officers Log. Many of the original entries are still there, however the career memories, of Detective Morris Kerwyn, Newark N.J. Police,  were pasted on the pages of the book.

As I searched this old book I was able to share the memories of Det. Kerwyn during the 1920's and 1930's. In between the pages I found, not pasted, an old photograph and an Associated Press Teletype. Considering their age they are in very good condition.

The teletype, along with the picture of three New York City Detectives,  gives a quick summary of an incident that took place on Oct. 19, 1931. It reads as follows:

"THREE DETECTIVES WERE SERIOUSLY WOUNDED AND A FORMER

CONVICT, SOUGHT FOR THE MURDER OF A POLICEMAN, WAS KILLED

IN A REVOLVER BATTLE IN A ROOMING HOUSE IN NEW YORK CITY 

ON OCTOBER 19.   THE WOUNDED DETECTIVES WERE  EDWARD 

WILLI, (RIGHT),  GUIDO PESSAGANO, (CENTER),  AND  JAMES 

DE FERRARO, (LEFT).  THE SLAIN EX-CONVICT WAS  ENRICO BATTAGLIA.  TWO MEN WERE WITH BATTAGLIA WHEN THE POLICE WENT AFTER HIM FOUGHT THE DETECTIVES AND ESCAPED BY RUNNING OVER THE ROOFS OF ADJOINING HOUSES.  ONE MAN WAS CAPTURED LATER AND WAS IDENTIFIED BY THE WOUNDED DETECTIVE AS ONE OF THE FUGITIVES."

What the teletype does not report is how this story unfolded. One could trace the beginning of the story back to 1928 when a Police Officer, Jeremiah Brosna was murdered. The face of the driver of the get away car was observed by Patrolman John Broderick. 

Traveling forward in time to 1931 Officer Broderick was assigned to the 20th Precinct. On Oct 19, he was on patrol when, he saw an individual who he thought was the wanted criminal Enrico Battaglia.  Broderick followed the suspect to a rooming house at 154 78th St. Once he saw Battaglia enter the building he called his Precinct's Detective Squad.

When Detectives Willi, Pessagano, and DeFerraro they were told by Broderick that , although it was five years since seeing Battaglia's face, he was sure it was the fugitive cop killer. All four officers went to the door of the rooming house.

The Landlady hearing the bell ring opened the door,  buy blocked the entry. She loudly gave officers  flack and demanded a warrant. The officers proceeded into the establishment, with the three Detectives heading for the stairs. The Landlady demanded that they shut the door, distracting Broderick. He shut the door and then headed up to the second floor. Two men bolted out of a room and ran up the stairs to the third floor. Broderick chased them, and was able to get off only a single shot. He stated later he believed he hit one of the fleeing men who escaped by running over roof tops.

Turning his attention to the room on the second floor,  Broderick found three wounded Detectives and the fatally shot Enrico Battaglia. Detective Pessagano was shot five times. Detective Willi, and Detective DeFerraro were shot once each.

Detective Pessagano was transported to Roosevelt Hospital for treatment of his wounds. He died three days later on Oct. 22, 1931. He was a five year veteran of the N.Y.P.D. and only 26 years of age. Det. Willi and Det. DeFerraro both recovered from their wounds.

The following year,  Mayor James "JIMMY" Walker posthumously awarded Detective Pessagano the N.Y.P.D. "Medal Of Honor." The award was presented to Mrs. Teresa Pessagano, the wife of the fallen officer. Now, nearly 100 years later, this story remains a sad reminder of the dangers facing officers on a daily basis.

Below is a picture of the original teletype from Associated Press showing the report and date at the bottom (10/19/31).

SALE ITEMS RELISTED

I have had these badges etc. for too many years and my wife insists I "Get Rid Of Them !"  OK, she said it nicer, pointing out that they don't really fit with my primary focus. So take a look at these badges and asking price. If you are interested drop me a line at:   jerseychief.gmail.com

1.  New York City  1900 Belt Buckle, pewter...........$35.00
                                                                            xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx NOTE ITEM SOLD 

2.  Set of New Jersey Borough's ( TENAFLY & CARLSTADT) "Marshal's."............. for pair .......    $120.00                                                                   Note Items Sold

3.  HISTORIC N.M. BADGE:

 Sterling Silver, Presentation Badge. From New Mexico Territory given to Chief U.S. Marshal Horace W Loomis. This Marshal worked in the Albuquerque area, and thwarted, according to Wells Fargo Chronicles, a Train Robbery at the Water Station in Rio Puerco, N.M. .............................$4499.   Note Item Sold

                                                                           

  

Below, the rear of this badge is shown magnified, to reveal makers letters, Silver Marking, and Loomis' Name in lower panel.

          

4. NEWARK  Police Shoulder Patch. Good condition...          ..........................................................................             $4.25

5. HISTORIC ENVELOPE FRONT:  Addressed to Charles A LINDBERGH. Mail was processed shortly after the famed aviator's son was kidnapped by Bruno Hauptmann. Envelope had been kept as a souvenir by a Newark Detective, who assisted on the case. It possibly carried one of over a dozen different Ransom demands, and was in the mail received by the family right after the event.          .........................$175.00 

6. New England Area Radiator Badge.  This is a light weight badge, possibly a toy. It could have been used by an officer with a "Juvenile Assignment."  It has nice detail.   ........................................................................    $35.00     Item SOLD

7. Pewter FIRE FIGHTER limited edition Belt Buckle.  .............................................................................   $10.00

8.  Gag Badge "Brothel Inspector."  ..............  $7.50               

9. ANTIQUE BADGE SET FROM WEST NEW YORK,       N.J.  No longer the shield in use and out of service over  50  years. In very good condition.                            ....................................................................  Matched Set (2 pieces) ........ $89.00

10. NEWARK  RECRUIT Police Shoulder Patch. Good condition...          ..........................................................................             $4.25

11. BALTIMORE COUNTY OFFICER'S BREAST BADGE. Item is in very good condition.                                        ........................           $59.00
          

 

 

12. ORANGE NJ PATCH  Item is in good condition, and priced to go !

                                                                                                                   $4.25 

13.  HORRY  COUNTY MEDICAL SERVICES Patch.  Item in good shape and priced to go.                                   ...        ...                                                   $3.25

14.  Mass. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER Patch.  Item in good condition. $3.50

                                                                                 ..............  Item Has Sold

STILL DREAMING

This Post was first printed way back in 2008. PC News also published it. Shortly after they did I received a letter from an old retired Newark Officer who wrote He answered many a call at the Senior Citizen 

Location and surrounding area. It didn't take long and we became friends and shared discussions about Newark. I visited him in NJ on a couple of occasions, and drooled at the sight of his Newark Police Collection. I "gifted" the DREAMLAND Badge to him.

When Det. Donaghy needed his knee replaced I figured out where the surgery was going to be completed, as Frank wasn't telling people. I got my daughter, a nurse on his floor, to give him a surprise "Get Well Cake". He was blown away at the cake which also had his Badge Number "1588" in blue letters on the top.

Shortly after this,  Frank got another surprise. It was Stage IV. He called me to his home to discuss what he wanted to be his  "legacy story." And He wanted me to write it, which I did with his help.

Now the years have gone by, and guess what. The badge that I once "gifted" to him has returned to my collection. Below is the original Post regarding this badge written in 2008. Enjoy the story one more time.

- - - - -

How is it possible that the word "Dreamland" is associated with Newark, NJ and my interest in badges?

First of all, you almost have to be a world class spelling champ to properly explain "Dreamland." It has origins going back to the 1920's in the days of dance and jazz. The Weequahic Park section of Newark was its home. The actual address was located at 985 Frelinghusen Ave.

Billed as the "America's Newest and Largest Roller Skating Rink," it opened in Oct. 1941. I am happy to say that was before my time. I may have seen 985 Frelinghuysen Ave, but I never saw Dreamland. I do recall Weequahic Park, its lake, and the Trotter races.

Somewhere after WW II Dreamland became a memory. It was soon followed by the "gray patrol" or the Senior Citizens. I am not sure exactly what they built, but apparently they did need security and a badge. The one pictured above is around sixty years of age.

SURF CITY, A NEW ADDITION TO NJ "CITY" COLLECTION

"LETS GO SURFING - SURF CITY, N.J.

                         By Dennis Beyer

OK, breakout my old Surfboard and let's go surfing again. Maybe even call the Beach Boys to bring their Old Woody down to the beach to join us in a grand old party. I know a great spot, and it's not in California. It's in New Jersey.

I'm talking about Surf City. This is a mega metropolis, at least between Memorial Day and Labor Day ! It is located on Long Beach Island, or to the local folk "LBI."  At its' Northern tip is Barnegat Light House marking the Barnegat Inlet,  which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. On the West is Manahawkin Bay. You have to be from New Jersey to understand these names.

There are about 1200 full time residents, one Yacht Club, and one Police Dept. Including the Chief, there are eleven officers staffing this Department. Head Quarters is located in the Municipal Building, where they share offices with other employees.

Today the Officers where oval badges marked with the word "Patrolman". The badge pictured here is "of the day" - maybe 1930-1940. It was stamped POLICE, and at the bottom of the center circle SURF CITY.

At the center of this 1.75" tall, gold toned shield is the N.J. State Seal. It is a little smaller then a dime. The back features a pin with locking clasp, that are functional.

 

 

Underneath the pin, on the backside of this badge is an old hallmark. It is from C. G. Braxmar. When they made this badge they were located at 242 W. 55th St in N.Y.

 

 

DISPERSE THE CROWD

The piece below is a reprint from a couple years ago. I am posting it again as it seems appropriate with all the riots and acts of destruction in our country the last few days. It seems to fit with what is needed as Our Society deals with unacceptable Radical Behavior. Enjoy the read. 

In the old days if a gang was causing trouble a few cops on horseback dispersed the gang. They ran in all different directions, and the Cops would stop - CASE CLOSED.

Twenty-five years later if there is a gang causing trouble at the usual corner, police cars were sent. The Boys were taken downtown for a shower, a meal, had their picture taken and released - THAT USUALLY MEANT CASE CLOSED.

Twenty-five Days ago, "Anywhere USA", the Boys are back at it. Hold on, not so quick. They're not Boys anymore. Next did you   see that someone in City Hall actually gave them  a permit. The permit says this is their corner up to 11:00 PM. 

However "That Permit" does not give the Gang the right to be belligerent trouble seekers. If they go to far, the Police can be called. The Permit does not authorize Homicide, Arson or just simple Rioting. Those that have "The Permit" need to understand that it is a "privilege", and that there are rules (some of us refer to them as "LAWS) that must be obeyed.

When the Crowd, with the permit, goes to far with their "demonstration," it's time for the "Boys in Blue" to respond. 
When appropriate the Police can apply force to those that don't know how to act like human beings.  

It is sad when this becomes a bad scene. This is because our 'Young Urban Permit Holders' can't read the rules, and if they could, simply wouldn't care. Yeah, plenty of potential for some real harm in these situations, except someone, with brains,  gave the order to DISPERSE THE CROWD.  

Enough said: DISPERSE THE CROWD

N.P.D.  1919

*****