NO PARKING HERE - YOU ARE WARNED

Now here is a neat piece of history, even if it isn't a badge.

This is an "Official Warning Ticket" that was used by Officers of the POLICE DIVISION 0f the Department of Public Safety. This "Warning" was authorized by John A Brady who served as Assistant Supervisor of Public Safety. That means he was the Chief's boss.

It is estimated that this "Warning" dates back to 1950 +/-. It is in very good condition.The ticket is 3.5 inches by 7.0 inches on printed on a heavy manila paper. The word "Warning" is centered so you can't miss it in bold (half inch) black letters.

When I worked in Essex County I obtained a few pieces of Newark paper on my windshield. I never saw the word warning on any of those tickets, but then I never saw the signs that read "No Parking." Those things are just bad memories, but this one is a nice piece of history that I am pleased to have along with other Newark items.

CITY COLLECTION: T IS FOR TRENTON

T is for Trenton. This is a major City for sure.

Trenton is in the history books and should be known by all Americans, at least those who have paid attention to their U.S. History lessons. The City is on the Delaware River which separates New Jersey from Pennsylvania.

During the Revolution our soldiers hung out in the fields of Bucks County in Pa. Their leader was General Washington. Rather then let his troops sing Christmas Carols he decided it would be cool to forge across the river and surprise the enemy in, of all places, Trenton, N.J. on Dec. 26, 1776.

Now I don't know what liquor was being shared by the enemy (Hessian Soldiers), but when "George", and his troops, showed up it was a huge Christmas surprise.

Washington's attack on Trenton was a major victory and helped lead to the establishment of our Democracy. It contributed to the end of taxation without representation, and overseas rule.

Today the liquor and soldiers are gone. The barracks, however, still stand and have become became a National landmark. After the War Trenton served as our US Capital for a brief time. In fact it didn't become the State Capital until late 1790.

After Democracy got its' start, the guys in Trenton turned New Jersey, despite its' small geographical size, into a National hub. The State, and its' capital, were in key locations for river and ocean transportation, world commerce, and naturally politics.

Today Trenton is well known for great political concepts. These include: Income Tax, Real Estate Tax, Sales Tax and Massive Debt.

History might just be repeating itself. Keep an eye on this State. One might detect tea in the waters again. Of course the new rebellion will be peaceful, because that is our current nature. In addition the Trenton Police Force now protects this City, its' surrounding streets, and the barracks. There will be no surprise attacks.

Police have been in existence in some form since the early 1700's. Initially the "Cop" on the beat in those early days was a Constable. Later there was a City Marshal. He was able to hire officers to do the job, and saw his job title change to Chief. His "force" became the Trenton P.D. in the mid 1800's

Over the forty years of collecting badges I have acquired just two badges from this Department. The silver shield with the eagle on top is a real treasure in my City Collection. This item is silver. It has a nice shape with finely detailed wreaths on the sides. The lettering is precise and has no color added to it as in the modern badges. The City Seal is in the center.

In the early 1900's the second pictured badge became the badge used by Trenton's fine officers. It is a traditional design and now shows recessed letters. The letters are filled with black enamel and simply read: Trenton Police (NJ).

In the center of the second badge is again the City Seal. Only a few municipalities in NJ have their own seal at the center of their badges. It is quite unique and attractive.

Both of these items are believed to be authentic. They have been in this collection for a good twenty years and serve as a major part of the my "City Collection." They are on display in a large case where they all remind me of yesterday and many fond memories.

NEW JERSEY PROBATION COLLECTION: S IS FOR SUSSEX

S is for Sussex County in my collection of antique badges from the old "County" Probation Departments in N.J..

I have two badges from this place up in the mountains of northern New Jersey. The County at one time was in the running for the least populated area in the Garden State. There were probably more cows and chickens then people. That might still be true.

The county did have a probation department as there were a few real people living in the woods. When they got out of line they wound up on probation. The small department capably handled all cases that came their way.

Over the early years badges were not generally possessed by the officers. That changed in the 1980's. At that time a complete order was made for every officer and the Chief. Now these items are obsolete as the County Department has been taken over by the State. A different badge is in use today and it is issued from the State Capital in Trenton.

The badges pictured here are actually a "Rank Set." When purchased the only distinction made for job titles was that of the Chief. That badge was number 1. The remainder of this agency had the word "Officer" on their badge.

These are still in very good condition and show no signs of use. They, like the others in my collection, are treasured. They are on display where I can constantly see them. I let them remind of some pleasant days in the wilderness of this County. I guess today it is a metropolis. Either way Sussex County is part of some fine memories.

TITUSVILLE SHOW COMING UP

The New Year will get a great start with a show for badge and patch collectors the end of the month (January 29TH).

The EVENT will be in Titusville at the Elks Lodge. It will be a one day event for: Show and Trade.

We plan to exhibit parts of our Jersey Collection that has been accumulated over the last 40 years.

BADGE 1588

A year ago today, Frank Donaghy answered his last call.

Badge 1588 is no longer responding.

Frank's family survives and stays strong with the guiding hand from the family's matriarch Maryanne. She was always there for Frank, and friends. She continues to be there for all of us.

She is on our mind regularly. We recognize her as the person who had everyone's back, and who remains a friend.

May God keep an eye on Maryanne and the family.

CITY COLLECTION: S IS FOR SUMMIT

S is for Summit, the City on the Hill.

When I was a kid I occasionally took a bike ride to Summit. I rode on what is now Rt. 24 in an area that was Greenland's. Conservation wasn't a big deal back then and these open spaces became the Short Hills Mall, Hilton Hotel, and JFK Parkway.

In the mid 60's I had a job with the county highway department and officially got to roam through the trees and little lakes belonging to the water company. It was a lot of fun. I forget what I was supposed to be doing there, but remember very well going into Chatham, and/or Summit for lunch. These communities border on each other.

Later in life (70's) I moved to Chatham. Summit was at the bottom of my street. Often I went into this "City" to check things out. It was nice back then, and has remained a desirable community.

When I moved to Florida I received the Summit Badge as a contribution to my collection from of all people - my Real Estate Agent. I guess he forgave me for placing handcuffs on his wife thirty plus years earlier. That's a story,, but it can't be told here.

The badge is no longer in use but it still look good. It is now in my "City Collection." Today it sits on the bottom row out of five. It is one of twenty-seven N.J.City Badges that I have accumulated over the years. These badges are from twenty-0ne different locations.

The Summit Badge is a traditional design and simply reads: Summit, Police, # 20. In the center is a very large N.J. State Seal. The badge is, as the picture reveals, in very good condition.

I have took this item to Florida eleven years ago to share my retirement, and many good memories from the City on the Hill.

HAWAII FIVE O -UNIFORM FLAW

I remember Jack Lord standing on the beach watching a helicopter fly in to start the original Hawaii Five-O Television series. I also recall those words - "Book him Danno" - that concluded the show. Great memories.

When the series was "reborn" this year I became an immediate fan. I was particularly interested in the new Danny "Danno" Williams. His Character was presented as that of a former cop from Essex County (N.J.). He left Jersey to be close to ex wife and daughter for reasons of child visitation. He became a member of the Honolulu Police department once in Hawaii.

I am pleased that with the new police department he quickly rose to rank of Detective Sergeant. He is good, and if his quick success isn't enough, he is assigned to the new Five - O Unit headed by Steve McGarrett. In this role "Danno" is no longer a sidekick, but a guy who is stealing the role of the Main Dude in the show. At least I think so.

Anyway in episode 8 (Mano'O), "Danno" is seen at a memorial for a murdered Honolulu Police Office. There is a flaw in this scene. The officers (all of them) are from Honolulu PD and, with one exception, are displaying a shoulder patch from that Hawaii Department. "Danno" is not, and I believe he should be as an officer of that department.

The shoulder patch that he wore in that episode (I drove my wife nuts with backing up, and stopping the recorder so I could see it clearly) was from the Newark Police Department (N.J.).

"Danno" - You wore that Newark Patch so I could catch it. Nice (but wrong) choice for the show.

There are three Newark Patches pictured above. The top patch is the current patch used in Newark, and also used in the recent Hawaii Five O Show. This is the one worn by Danny Williams at the memorial service at the end of Episode 8.

The second patch is the predecessor patch to that in use today. This one belonged to my father. The last is a prototype that was never adopted. It was meant for a special squad and wound up in the collection of a friend. It was designed by a former "RRR" squad member who's initials are in the ears.

The patches and a picture of the "RRR" Patch are in my collection along with other fine memories.