News
Record Museum Attendance at Cal State Fair
The California Police Museum was on exhibition Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the California State Fair in Sacramento. During the one-day special event honoring emergency first responders, the museum attracted 1088 visitors setting a new daily record. The hot summer day brought visitors from throughout the region.
Serving as museum docents for the event were Brian Smith, Mike DeVilbiss, Russ Snow and Gary Hoving. Many thousands of questions were answered and membership brochures were widely distributed. A result of first responder day honored all emergency services by free admission to the fair. Many of those families were drawn to the museum with scores of positive comments. The most popular items on display are the Thompson machine gun and the visitor operated emergency lights.
Based on the success of the exhibition, the six hundred mile round trip for the trailer and 15+ hour exhibition day was well worth effort in meeting our mission. (7/22/2010)
Maywood-Cudahy Police End of Watch
After 86 years of service the police force officially disbanded on June 30th 2010. Here is their final radio transmission from the Police Department . Los Angeles County Sheriff have taken over the cities law enforcement duties. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxf1fzmIeKs (7/22/2010)
Artifact Donations Received
During the San Luis Obispo Police Memorabilia Show, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society received two significant artifact donations. Dr. Steve Mizroch donated a 1930’s era catalog from the Los Angeles Rubber Stamp Company. The catalog is filled with illustration of the many styles and shapes of badges offered by the firm which was the largest California producer of badges. This piece is an invaluable research document and the generosity of the donor is greatly appreciated.
The second donation was a long sought Alpine County Undersheriff badge donated by Gary Teragawa. This rare piece is from one of the smallest counties in the state and was the last remaining badge to complete the museum’s 58 county set. It has already been placed in the museum and will be proudly displayed as we travel to Sacramento for the California State Fair. Our appreciation is extended to gary Teragawa for his thoughtfulness. (7/16/2010)
San Luis Obispo Show Huge Success
The San Luis Obispo Police Memorabilia Show on July 10, 2010, was a great success. With 53 tables and 40 paid admissions, trading and sales were reported to be brisk. Total attendance was about 60 considering CLEHS members enjoy free admission and not tallied. The displays were outstanding and a complete report will be follow in the next issue of the California Police Historian.
Photos of the show can be seen on Facebook, the Friends of the California Law Enforcement Historical Society page. The link to the Friend’s page is found on the home page of this web site. Photos are courtsey of Vivian Krug and Phil Colonnelli.
Award Recipients:
Best Badge Display: Gary Teragawa
Best Patch: Phil Colonnelli
Best Historical Display: Mike DeVilbiss
Best Educational: David Young
Best of Show: Gary Teragawa
Historian of the Year Award: Raymond Sherrard
(7/10/2010)
Annual Meeting/California State Fair
The California Law Enforcement Historical Society will hold its annual corporate meeting on Friday, July 9, 2010, 5:00 PM, at the Nipomo home of Gary Hoving. All members are invited to attend. After the Board meeting, Gary will hold a pre-show reception at his home from 6:00-9:00 PM. Please e-mail Gary for directions to his home. sloghov@aol.com
The California State Fair will once again recognize members of the Armed Forces and First Responders on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. On this day, members of the Armed Forces, active and veteran and First Responders, including firefighters, sworn law enforcement, and paramedics will receive FREE admission to the State Fair with valid identification. Tuesday is also Kids Day where kids 12 and under receive FREE admission. This is a perfect outing for families.
Also this year, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society is proud to participate in the Armed Forces and First Responder’s Day and will have our Police Museum on display at the State Fair on July 20th.
This is the second time this year the Police Museum will be in Northern California so this is a great opportunity to see the Museum and take in the California State Fair. Additional information about the California State Fair may be obtained at: http://bigfun.org/ (6/25/2010)
Are you on facebook? The California Law Enforcement Historical Society is! The page is called Friends of the California Law Enforcement Historical Society and it was created by member Vivian Krug. Here is the link:
It’s easy to become a member and you can upload photos, post to the wall, upload videos, track collector shows, and stay connected with other friends of the Society. (6/8/2010)
California Peace Officer’s Memorial Week
As part of the California Peace Officer’s Memorial Week, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society’s Police Museum will be in Sacramento for events on the following two days:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010: From 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm for the Sacramento Police and Sheriff’s Memorial Remembrance Ceremony at 500 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815.
Thursday, May 6, 2010: From 7:00 am to 9:00 am for the Public Safety and Community Appreciation Breakfast at the Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA 95815. For tickets please contact Shelley Cooper (916) 874-7983 or email cooperm@sacda.org
This is the first time the Police Museum will be in Sacramento for these events. You may visit the Police Museum even though you do attend the two memorial events. (4/26/2010)
Spring Issue of California Police Historian Finalized
The spring issue of the California Police Historian has just arrived from the printer. Once addressed, they will be distributed to those attending the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation collectors show this weekend. Those not attending the event will receive their issue through the mail next week. For future issues, articles are needed relating to law enforcement patches and patch collecting. Thank you in advance for your assistance and hope you enjoy the latest edition. (4/26/2010)
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation Public Safety Collectors Show and Sale
The 2nd Annual San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation Public Safety Collectors Show and Sale will be held at the San Joaquin County Agriculture Center, in Stockton, CA, on Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Show is a fund raiser for and is sponsored by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation.
Eight foot sale tables are $20.00 each, eight foot display tables are $10.00 each. All tables must be covered and table holders are allowed one table assistant. Table holders and assistants must exhibit proper name tags. A dealer reception will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010.
Table holders and assistants only setup starts at 8:00 am. General admission is $5.00 children under 12 years are free. Food and drinks will be available all day and appraisals will also be available.
Awards will be presented for the best patch display, best badge display, best historical display, and best all around display. Awards will also be presented for the most outstanding public safety automobile exhibits.
The San Joaquin County Agriculture Center is located at 2101 East Earhart Avenue, Suite 200, Stockton, CA 95206.Use this link for a map http://cesanjoaquin.ucdavis.edu/
For table reservations and show information, please contact:
Tod Ruse P. O. Box 31776
Stockton, CA 95213
Phone: (209) 401-7441
Email: badges@att.net (3-12-2010)
Life Member List Grows
The list of members who have moved to the life membership category continues to grow with the recent addition of two new members.
Current Historical Society member Mike DeVilbiss, charter member #96, moved to life membership standing and Ron Agrillo, new member to the Society, joined as life member. They join a select group of members who have made a sizable financial commitment to support the efforts of the Historical Society in preserving the history of California peace officers.
Life members are: Bill Hedges, Brad Darling, Brian Smith, Frances Lam, Gary Hoving, Jack Jones, Keith Bushey, Mark Simens, Max Bakke (deceased), Mike DeVilbiss, Mike Lynch, Randy Grago, Raymond Moreno, Ron Agrillo, Russ Snow, Wes Burns. (3-2-10)
Badge Featured in American Cowboy Magazine
A San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff badge from 1906 is featured in the February/ March issue of the American Cowboy magazine. The short article illustrates a badge from the collection of Gary Hoving, who contributed to the piece. Between the interviews and emails relating to the story, some of the facts regarding the piece were lost, but still glad to see a historic badge in publication,stated Hoving. Of course, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society is named in the magazine which is currenly available at newstands. (3-1-2010)
Raymond Sherrard Named 2009 Police Historian of the Year
The California Law Enforcement Historical Society names Raymond Sherrard as the 2009 Police Historian of the Year. Ray is a long standing member of the historical society, a well published author, federal insignia collector and motion picture technical advisor. His extensive research on federal law enforcement agency histories as well as their insignia is known around the world. A true fixture in the national collector scene, Ray is always a gentleman and quick to share his knowledge with others. A formal presentation will be made at the annual CLEHS collectors show in San Luis Obispo on July 10, 2010. (2-25-2010)
Charter Member of Sociey Dies Unexpectedly
Max Bakke of Arroyo Grande passed away last weekend at his Arroyo Grande home. He complained of being tired and took a nap apparently passes away in his sleep. Max was a Charter member of the California Law Enforcement Historical Society holding membership #13. In addition, he had elevated his standing to life member in a continuance of support. While never serving as a peace officer, he was a strong supporter of law enforcement and certainly this society. As an example of his support and generosity, Max donated a 1907 pistol and holster worn by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff which was valued at several thousand dollars. He was a notable local historic arms collector and had a small collection of badges with special interest in items from the San Luis Obispo County area. (1-28-2010)
NRA Grant Rejected
The California Law Enforcement Historical society had submitted a grant application through the National Rifle Association in the amount of $3000. The funding was to be used for a gallery within the museum highlighting the technological changes in firearms used in law enforcement. Unfortunately, the NRA did not fund the grant for the educational program which was submitted through the Central California District of the NRA. The NRA received $700,000 in requests for an allocation of $400,000 for California. It has been shared that their funding priority was for youth programs. Of the thousands of visitors to our museum, at least 90% are under 15, so we may seek funding during the next grant cycle later this year. (updated 1-25-2010)
San Diego Show Announced for November
The San Diego Police Museum’s First Annual Police Collector’s Show has been set for November 13, 2010, 9-3pm at 4747 College Avenue in San Diego. The show is sponsored by the San Diego Police Historical Association and will be located directly across the street from the San Diego Police Museum. Additional information will be included in the next edition of the California Police Historian. (1-18-2010)
San Diego Police Historical Association Joins Society
The San Diego Police Historical Association has joined the California Law Enforcement Historical Society as a corporate sponsor. Executive board members from San Diego conferred with President Gary Hoving while attending the Porky’s collectors show in Claremont this past weekend. Membership as a corporate sponsor establishes a professional link between the organization and ensures an improved communication between like-minded individuals from San Diego and around the State of California. The CLEHS are very excited about the new relationship and welcome the San Diego Police Historical Association to the Society. (1-18-2010)
Museum Donations Received
Several Donations to the California Police Museum were received by attendees of the Porky’s Collector’s Show last weekend. Phil Colonnelli donated a 1967, first issue, civilian law enforcement portable radio manufactured by Motorola. The HT 200 is in very good shape including a charger and, remarkably, in operating condition. This will make a great exhibition piece and in the museum demonstrating the technological advancement in communications that California peace officers have enjoyed during the past 40+ year.
Larry Allison donated two revolver holsters. One was a swivel holster custom made by Hoyt which is in black basket weave design. The other is a swivel spring loaded clam shell type in perfect working order.
Finally, a Lassen County Sheriff’s Posse badge was donated by Dick Bise of Yucaipa (San Bernardino County.) The only two remaining badges to complete the 58 county Deputy Sheriff badge display in the museum at Alpine and Santa Cruz Counties.
Thanks were extended to each of the donors. (1-18-2010)
San Luis Obispo Collectors Show Confirmed
The Eighth Annual San Luis Obispo Police memorabilia Collector’s Show will be held on July 10, 2010. The event will be held at a new location, the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Avenue, in San Luis Obispo. Hours for the event will remain the same as in the past; 8am for dealer set up and 9 AM-2 PM for the public. Exhibitor tables are $25 for CLEHS members and $35 for non-members. Ideally located mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this show draws table holders and spectators from all around California as well as Nevada and Arizona. Early table reservations are highly recommended as the show has been a complete sell-out for many years running.
The new location is near hotels and dining for the convenience of all attendees. We will also be located directly above the Central California Veteran’s Memorial Museum which is a must-see while in San Luis Obispo. The Veteran’s Museum will remain open during the show hours and are co-hosting the event. Please contact us at calpolicehistory@aol.comfor additional information. Payment my be sent to the CLEHS, P.O. Box 475, Pismo Beach, CA 93448 or via PayPal. (1-8-2010)
Entenmann-Rovin Tour Cancelled
The Entenmann-Rovin Company will not be able to accommodate the tour of their facility as scheduled for January 15, 2010. An equipment failure will have the plant closed for repairs during our planned visit. Mr. Elbaz expressed his regrets and will reschedule the tour at a later date. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause our membership. Gary Hoving (12-30-2009)
Time to Submit Annual Membership Dues
It is that time once again to submit your annual membership dues of $35. Your participation is needed to publish the four newsletter each year, special tours and maintain the police museum. The Society has been growing and holds a strong presence at the collectors shows around the state. In addition, we are working toward posting our growing artifact collection on-line for research by membership. Please stay involved and keep continue your support through membership. For your convenience, payment is accepted through Paypal. (12-14-2009)
Smith & Wesson Model 15 Needed for Museum
A circa 1969 Los Angeles Sheriff’s female deputy purse was recently acquired and will be displayed in the museum. This purse was used on patrol before a Sam Brown gun-belt was authorized for women. A built in handcuff case and holster for the standard issue S&W model 15 is included. To best exhibit the item, we are in search of a model 15 to complete the set. Please contact us at calpolicehistory@aol.com if you can help. (12-14-2009)
Winter Edition of California Police Historian Released
The Winter edition of the California Police Historian newsletter has been completed and mailed on December 2, 2009. The 20 page newsletter is filled with stories and information of interest to our members. Also included is the membership renewal reminder for 2010. Please submit the annual dues of $35 as soon as possible or use Paypal for instant payment. (12-1-2009)
Tour Available of Entenmann-Rovin Company
A special tour of the Entenmann-Rovin Company has been scheduled for Friday, January 15, 2009, at 9:00 AM. This tour is available exclusively to members of the California Law Enforcement Historical Society. Mr. Shimon Elbaz will host coffee and breakfast treats for those attending. Selection of the date was based on the Porky D. Swine Police Memorabilia Show to be held the following day allowing members traveling to Southern California to participate.
The Entenmann-Rovin Company is located at 2425 Garfield Avenue, Commerce California, 90040. Directions are available from Mapquest and it is easily located near Interstate 5 and the 605 Freeways. Please RSVP for the tour to calpolicehistory@aol.com. (11-25-2009)
Entenmann-Rovin Company Joins Historical Society
The Entenmann-Rovin Company has joined the California Law Enforcement Historical Society as a Corporate Sponsor. Mr. Shimon Elbaz, Vice President (and Chief of Operations) was quick to accept the request for participation and added a cash donation above the required dues. Entenmann-Rovin has been making jewelry and high quality law enforcement badges in the Los Angeles area since 1888 and a welcome addition to our society. (11-24-2009)
Mono County Badge Received
Sheriff Richard Scholl of Mono County has donated a current issue Deputy Sheriff badge to the California Police Museum. The badge is a seven point gold colored star made by the Entenmann-Rovin Company and fills one of the missing pieces of the exhibit. Sheriff Scholl responded to a letter generated by Central California Director, Russ Snow, to aid in completing the 58 county badge display in the museum. Our appreciation is extended to Sheriff Scholl for providing an authentic artifact from a sought after agency and in helping to preserve our past. (11-24-2009) 
Cop’s and Kid’s Field Day
The annual International Footprinter’s Cop’s and Kid’s Field Day was held on November 1, 2009, in Arroyo Grande. The event attracted 419 visitors through the California Police Museum during the four hour exhibition. Rusty Snow and Gary Hoving served as museum docents and greeted the families with “police museum” badge stickers and answered questions. The International Footprinter’s have been strong supporters of the mission of the museum and have extended an open ended invitation to continue our participation.
San Joaquin Show Confirmed
The Second Annual San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation Public Safety Collector’s Show and Sale has been confirmed for May 1, 2010, at the SJ County Ag Building. The Center will be opened for exhibitors Friday, April 30th and a hosted dinner will be provided Friday evening for table holders. Save this date as more information will follow. (11/12/2009)
Douglas Messer Passes
Douglas T. Messer
Aug. 8, 1946 — Oct. 20, 2009
California Law Enforcement Historical Society member and Longtime Murphys resident Douglas T. Messer died Oct. 20 at his home. He was 63.
Mr. Messer was born in Los Angeles and worked as a game warden for the California Department of Fish and Game for 30 years. He lived in Murphys for 33 years and was a member of the First Congregational Church.
He also was a member of the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officer’s Association and a member of the North American Game Warden Museum.
Mr. Messer is survived by his wife of 42 years, Fay Messer, of Murphys; sons and daughters-in-law Jason and Kristen Messer, of Stockton, and Adam and Kori Messer, of Hughson; and grandchildren Kailin and Kaicie Messer, of Stockton, and Alysse and Grace Messer, of Hughson.
A donation in his name may be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 48, Murphys, 95247, or the North American Game Warden Museum, Rural Route 1, Box 116AA, Dunseith, N.D. 58329. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church in Murphys. Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. (10-28-2009)
Collectbadges.com Closes Site
The collector web-site, Collectbadges.com has closed its site after being unable to find a buyer. The administrators were attempting to sell the domain name and client list for an undisclosed amount. Their offer did not include the auction software which had been included when first listed. While the site is no longer operational, the offer to sell still stands and may be inquired upon at offers@collectbadges.com. The CLEHS has no affiliation with the site nor are we aware of who managed the operation. (10-11-2009)
Museum Grant Sought
The California Law Enforcement Historical society has submitted a grant application through the National Rifle Association in the amount of $3000. The funding will be used to create one gallery on the history of the law enforcement firearms highlighting the technological changes. If funded, one of the eleven galleries within the museum will be dedicated to the topic in an educational format. The NRA Foundation issues grants for educational programs throughout the country. Their representative expressed a great deal of excitement over our proposal since we have such a broad audience with visitors from five years old to eighty. Grant releases should be announced in January, 2010. (10-10-2009)
Badges Donated to Museum
Well known collector, author and member of the CLEHS, Doug Messer, provided four badges for the California Police Museum helping to meet the goal of displaying badges from all 58 counties. Doug provided badges from Alpine, Calaveras, Amador and Mariposa which were absent from the museum exhibition. These badges were provided on a “permanent loan” bases and are a tremendous asset to the museum.
On behalf of the members of the CLEHS, we extend our appreciation to Doug Messer for his generosity. In addition, we wish him God Speed during his health battle and ask that each of you keep him in your thoughts and prayers. (10-07-2009)
New Badge Site Appears
A new badge trading/selling site has appeared on the web which may be of interest to collectors. The site is located at http://www.badgeswap.com and uses a similar format as other sites. One of the more popular ones, collectbadges.com, is available for sale and is scheduled to go off-line this week. The CLEHS is not supporting the new site and has no information regarding the integrity of the operators. This is merely a report and all are cautioned about Internet security. (10-07-2009)
Fall Issue of California Police Historian Released
The fall issue of the California Police Historian has been released and delivered to the post office on September 18, 2009. We are currently soliciting submissions for the Winter issue anticipated for release on December 1, 2009.