Law Enforcement Badge

Name/Title

Law Enforcement Badge

Entry/Object ID

2004.80.24

Description

Metal police badge. The silver-colored metal badge has a rampant eagle crowning the top of a circular shield and has swirling leafy patterns at the base. The badge has a circular band made of a raised pattern which surrounds the Vermont state coat of arms. The debossed words read, “CAPTAIN / AUX. POLICE / MONTPELIER VT.” on the flat outer band of the shield. The words “STATE OF / VERMONT” encircle the coat of arms. The back of the badge has a pin on a metal hinge.

Context

Auxiliary police were established during World War I and again during World War II to assist police departments struggling to fulfill their responsibilities when many officers were away in the armed forces. In 1950, Congress passed a civil defense act creating a civil defense program to help address public safety needs that develop during emergencies. The time period for this pin wasn't available. Information also wasn't found about auxiliary police in Montpelier. This pin belonged to Joseph George Abair, born in Dorchester, MA 8/14/1894 to James Fitzgibbons and Mary Smith. He was adopted by George Abair and his wife Phillie Abair. The 1910 US Census shows that Joseph lived in Montpelier with his adoptive parents. The Vermont death record shows that Joseph died in Montpelier on December 2, 1975. His WW I experience was with the 26th Division, an infantry division of the US Army; This division saw extensive combat in France during WW I. THE TWENTY-SIXTH DIVISION -- the "Yankee Division," as it has been most appropriately named -- was organized from National Guard troops of all the New England States. ... The Twenty-Sixth was the second Division to arrive in France (in World War I); and it was the first division of the National Guard or the National Army troops to be organized, equipped, and sent overseas."

Acquisition

Accession

2004.80

Source or Donor

Abair, Janice Helena (1930-2017)

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

1920 - 1975

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Tertiary Object Term

Badge, Law Enforcement

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Badge, Insignia

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Insignia

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Status Symbols

Nomenclature Class

Personal Symbols

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Width

1-5/16 in

Length

2 in

Material

Metal

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Vermont State Police