NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: "E" IS FOR ESSEX

In the alphabetical presentations of New Jersey Probation Officer Badges the first two County Departments, Atlantic and Camden County, have been presented in earlier stories.

The next letter in the display is "E." That is "E" as in Essex County.

Essex is the largest county in terms of population. At times it could feel like a million people are on the streets, in the stores, at the airport, or by the port. At times it could also feel like half the population was involved some way with the probation department. Fortunately that was just a feeling.

The first probation officer badge that made it into the hands of this collector is a real old timer. It once belonged to a man named Mulligan. He owned this badge in the 1950's prior to becoming Chief of the department.

The seal on this badge is the County Seal. When the State "took over" the twenty-one County Departments the State Seal became the official center piece. When that happened the appearance of those multi colored seals put the new badges in the "big leagues." At least that was the thought.

The County Seal is plated with the same finish on the badge. When H Buchlien & Son made this particular badge that was how they did the job. Multi color seals were not even on the drawing board, which gives one an idea of the age of this item. I estimate it to be 70 years old. The Seal is just a big cuddly old lion standing up with its' two front legs looking to whack someone. If one did not know this Lion belonged to Essex County they would only have to read the name printed on the outside of the circular County Seal.

As the picture reveals this is a gold finish badge with an eagle on top. It is simply lettered: "Probation Officer, Essex County, #14." Despite the age there is hardly any wear, making its' condition excellent. This is a one of a kind, and one that always brings back some great memories.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: CAMDEN CONTRIBUTION TO PROBATION COLLECTION

I started my career in the Essex County Probation Department in N.J. One of the guys' I met there was an ex-cop from the City of East Orange. I had family that worked for that police department, and they all knew the man who was designated to take charge of the unit where I worked. Sounded to me like a good connection was about to be established.

Things change quickly in this world. Before my departments assignments were implemented in 1967 the guy announced he was leaving immediately to become Chief Probation Officer in "beautiful" Camden County, NJ.

The years went by and I became involved with the annual officers conference. In 1982 I was working on the first multiple day convention. Also working on the Planning Committee was the Chief of Camden County. That was for several reasons. One of those reasons was that the convention was to be in Camden County at the Cherry Hill Inn.

I made it my business to let the Chief know I was now into badge collecting. I think I used every card I could play including crying and nagging with the hope of eventually getting a badge.

It took about a couple of years and, when he was ready to retire I finally got it. It was his badge, and it came right from his wallet. That became the first contribution from this county. I now have a few in my collection.

Camden Badges are the second grouping of badges, alphabetically displayed, in my State Probation Collection. Thirteen "Counties" are represented out of the twenty-one counties in N.J.

As the pictures show these fine items are finished in silver and gold tone, and have multi colored N.J. seals. They are in mighty fine condition, and I believe made in the 1970's.

In addition to the great appearance these badges have, there are also some fine memories associated with them.

UNIFORM "FLAW" IN TV'S COLD CASE

Does anybody watch TV'S "Cold Case?" Well I will always have a memory of this years' season finale.

It was part two of a story involving the death of a young female cadet in a military school. The males students didn't want the young lady in their school. The staff wasn't too happy with her being there either. Eventually she is murdered, stuffed in a locker and buried for a couple of years. When the body is eventually found, years later, the Cold Case guys (and Detective Lil) get going.

Lil has to confront memories of her past as she digs to solve the crime. As she has flashbacks she is seen as a young Philadelphia Officer in dress blue, with a nice hat. I rewound the DVR a couple of times to scope out the Philly hat badge. It was not there. The badge on the hat was from New Jersey.

The badges above are from Philadelphia, and New Jersey. They are clearly different, and there is no mistaking the old Jersey Plow Horse on the top. Personally I like the Jersey badge better.

Should I just call Lil and tell her of the mistake in wardrobe?

THE NEWARK ROOM

That cute model is not a member of the Newark Police Department. She's my granddaughter, and I made her model this fine baseball cap with the old Newark triangle patch. The hat is now on display next to a picture of my models' great grandfather. He too was with N.P.D.

Prior to taking a picture with this writer, Moonie auctioned off his hair for the St. Baldrick's Children's Cancer Fund. He was quite pleased that he lost his hair for a good cause, rather then let it be side effect from the disease he is battling.

The hat was recently given to me by a guy named "Moonie." He is also a collector of Newark memorabilia. The only difference between his collection and mine is, that his takes up an entire room in his home, plus the basement, and the garage. My collection is in a 12 x 18 inch case.

Our relationship started when Moonie contacted me following a story I wrote regarding the old "Dreamland Roller Skating Arena" on Freylinghuysen Ave. in Newark. The land where this world class arena once stood eventually became a Senior Citizen Center. With that article I showed a badge that was made for the security officer that once patrolled the grounds.

After reading the story my fellow collector wrote to me. He indicated a concern about his handwriting, but did not hesitate to let me know, from reading the Dreamland story, that he concluded: "It's apparent that I am older than you, as I not only remember it, but spent a lot of time there as a 12 or 13 year old kid." He further let me know that he had the pleasure of responding as a Newark Police Officer to this location on many occasions.

Mooney, who wore badge number 1588, described himself as "A very big Newark Badge Collector." The man said, "I have every Newark Police badge ever worn from the first to the present." The present issue was introduced in 1914. One can only guess where "number one" hangs today, along with hundreds of other vintage badges.

Despite having every badge Moonie admitted he "never seen or heard" of this badge,
and that my story "made (his) day as (he) thought he had seen them all." Of course he expressed an interest in it, if I should ever decide to part with it.

At the time I had no interest in letting this badge out of sight. I did however have an interest in having dialog with this guy from Newark. From that point forward we traded many emails, shared memories, and became friends even though we never met.

The long distance relationship was designed to end right from the beginning as I was quickly invited to see what I consider to be the "Real N.P.D. Collection." It took a little time, but finally I got there on April 10, 2009 - Good Friday.

One of my daughter collection (I have five) lives in the area. She was dispatched to make the preliminary visit for me. She joined with Moony's Lady to set up a meal that, almost made me forget about seeing The Newark Room.

When we met it was a bear hug hello coupled with some tears here and there. I ultimately was ushered into his garage. It had so many collectibles I wondered if his Harley could really find its' way out. You name it, and it was there. The only thing that moved me away was the call to come eat. Eat we did, and we also talked through a life time of memories.

After the meal I got to see the basement, which like the garage was filled with pictures, posters, badges, patches, and awards. These were items that didn't make it to The Newark Room.

One of the items that caught my eye was a "Voter Registration poster." It was captioned: "Don't let this happen again - Register -Vote." It showed a wounded 12 year old kid laying in a pool of blood, with a shotgun toting Newark Officer moving towards him. A similar picture was on the July 23 1967 cover of Life Magazine. I have that magazine in my den. It is a memory of the investigation I did for the Court regarding this shooting. Moonie and I both know that these pictures convey the wrong message. Enough said on that point.

We finally made a swift move up the stairs. Actually we were quite slow. That was "OK" as the best Newark Collection was straight ahead. In a word - amazing.

The claim to have the first badge of the current issue was quickly substantiated. The man not only had the badge, but the hat badge, and the retirement badge. They are displayed with uniform buttons, and that wonderful triangle patch. This one display restored my eyesight to a perfect 20/20.

My eagle eyes quickly caught hold of the rest of the room. There were multiple badges from every series ever issued by Newark Police. There were ranks that I did not know existed such as the "Chanceman", and one for the "Stables." There was even one from Vailsburg where I grew up, and several more badges that were a huge surprise for me. What a lesson I got on the history of Newark. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Filling up every nook and cranny of the room was something, and it wasn't limited to badges. The Newark Room also had an excellent collection of old etched night sticks. They looked like the belonged in a jewelers case. At least they were behind glass.

Mooney also displayed various restraints. Then there were old whistles, hats, police rattles, and several old lanterns. Mixed in were pictures of some old vehicles. One was from the bomb squad. I think if he could have gotten that vehicle it would be in his garage next to his Harley.

One of the displays that caught my eye was of a gray bunny rabbit. It was a large back patch showing the rabbit on a field of yellow. I noticed it because the long eared critter was holding three "R's." Those letters were explained at the bottom of the patch: "Rapid Response to Robbery." I was aware of this unit and instantly recognized the letters, however I did not recognize the bunny rabbit. I was instructed to check out the ears. They were tall and had a couple of squiggly lines on the inside. I learned those marks were not lines, but initials "M.M." They belonged to the officer who designed the patch, and who also worked in the unit.

After I absorbed all that I could regarding "The Three R's," I spotted a group of pictures, news clippings, and awards. As I studied them I learned Mooney took a swim in Newark's Passaic River. The historic river was pristine when the Lenai Lenape Indians owned the land in the 1600's. Three hundred years later it was filled with Dioxix and other chemicals. Some said the river glowed in the dark.

The man's aquatic performance took place on January 19, 1985 when there was a call reporting someone floating under the Clay Street Bridge. The reports indicate it was a bitter cold night, and there was heavy ice in the river. These obstacles didn't deter my friend from jumping in to save someone he never met. Once in the frigid river, he battled the conditions, as well as a frantic victim. Three times he went under before making this a successful rescue, and a lifetime memory.

The Deputy Chief of Police, after reading the reports filed, wrote saying: Your entry into "...the water in subfreezing weather was an unselfish act that resulted in a human life; that would, had you not taken immediate action, would have been lost." The "Medal of Honor" was subsequently awarded. All this was a millennium ago. The memory is still there, and a very proud memory it is.

It started getting late so the visit ended with my last observation. Mooney had the "Dreamland Badge" that I gave him properly displayed under glass, and surrounded by the memories of a life devoted to his City.

The proprietor of The Newark Room, is Detective Frank Donaghy, Newark Police Department, Retired (moonie1588@comcast.net). I am extremely proud to call him my friend.

NEW YORK CITY

At the end of the month the wife and I took a little ride (1300 miles) up North. We stayed in the Garden State, but escaped one fine afternoon over to New York City. It wasn't too crowded. I guess all the "Yorkies" were in Florida.

The first stop of the day was the Sea Port. We got there without incident via subway. I was so happy to have been able to get out of those tunnels and onto the street.

Following lunch and looking at the Brooklyn Bridge, I traveled down to the New York City Police Museum. It is located in an old precinct house, and contained tons of memorabilia. While my first interest is badges there were also many artifacts from 9-11. I saw a name I knew and was moved, and I also observed an iron cross wielded together from WTC scrap. That too was emotional.

I'll display a couple of pictures from these exhibits, and "down the road" write abut all the badges I saw.

After leaving I had enough memories of time gone by, and the police. I was ready to check out Wall Street without sirens or flashing lights. As I approached one corner I heard a strange chanting sound coming closer. As I looked up, the street was filled with over a thousand people. I quickly retreated and went around the block only to find the same thing, but further up I observed one or two of New York's finest.

It seems I stumbled onto the "International Pillow Fight Celebration." Well now that I knew what was going on I was cool. This was normal New York. Even those two NY Cops, without backup, looked cool.

While I enjoyed the day I never thought I would see a pillow fight and cops show.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: ATLANTIC PROBATION OFFICER

I obtained this in the 90's. I got it from a friend who worked in the department by the Sea. A few years later I got another, but it was not as nice as this one. It is a real old looking badge, with nickle finish that has lasted through the years.

It is in the writers "State Probation Badges" collection, and has a nice spot on the wall of my Den. It is the first badge in the case as they are displayed in alphabetical order, by county.

This badge, like all the rest, provides me with fond memories. I often visited this County, and worked with their officers on official business. I remember Atlantic City before the Casino' came to town. I remember the Steel Pier, the Beaches, and the Boardwalk. Those were great days.

Once gambling came to "A.C." it became a prime convention spot. I attended over 15 of these events and always had a good time. Once I give directions to someone to the Hotel where we stayed. It was like this: "Just come straight down the main drag and look for a Trump sign. I forgot Trump had at least four Hotels. That goof caused some stress back then, but today I can laugh about it, and that is good.

There are no County Probation Department's currently. They were merged into a "unified" State System a decade ago. With that merger came a new identity and new badges. I still like the old badge, and the memories that comes with it.

JERSEY HAT BADGES

Somewhere over the years I acquired these fine hat badges. I believe they are from the Newark Police Department, but I am just not sure. Must be old age.

As the pictures show they represent a "near" rank set: Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Inspector, and Deputy Chief. I am missing the "Chief." He must have kept it when he retired. I know he kept the wallet badge,because he didn't mind telling me: "This is one you're not going to get !"

Each of these badges is shaped like the New Jersey State Seal. A "horses head" is top center and distinctive. Garden State plows are visible in the center.

I never really paid much attention to Newark's' hat badges as baseball caps were the head cover I saw. I do recall my dad's dress uniform and the fact that there was a hat badge on it.

My memory on the baseball hats goes back maybe thirty or more years. Those hats never carried a badge. I think some of the special units had custom hats, and one unit (no longer in existence) had a combination of three "R's" on top. They letters stood for "Rapid Robbery Response." This was a quick and tough unit that swooped in like Batman in unmarked cars responding to Newark's numerous robbery calls. They did the job well, and as a result Newark is a crime free community today. Yeah, right.

Back to these oldies. Because these badges are shaped like the State Seal I question if they really are from Newark. Newark used a City Seal on their breast badges, so why use the State Seal on the hat badge?

On the other hand the rank of Inspector was rarely used in N.J. It was, however, a rank used in the N.P.D. So just maybe these old hat badges did come from the City.

I estimate they date back to the early 1960's before yielding their way to baseball caps. I have no idea when they were first introduced. Today they rest in an end table, that my wife allowed me to buy, and put in my den. It has a glass top so that these fine pieces are displayed in proper fashion "under glass."