Brooklyn Bridge Police

New York & Brooklyn Bridge Police
Captain James Ward badges.

Presented to Captain James Ward
by the members of the
N.Y. & B.B. Police Force
as a testimonial of their respect and esteem.
Sept. 29th, 1883.

14k gold New York & Brooklyn Bridge presentation Captain’s badge to James Ward.

Captain New York & Brookllyn Bridge badge #1. Department issue.

Framing by Rob Kohlstedt.

The Brooklyn Union 31 June 1, 1883

The Brooklyn Union January 2, 1884

The Brooklyn Eagle June 14, 1885

The Brooklyn Union February 11, 1885

The Brooklyn Union April 26, 1885

The Brooklyn Union October 19, 1885

The Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, and a New York City Landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Company existed from 1883-1898. Now referred to simply as the “Brooklyn Bridge,” and during those years it had it’s own police force. On January 1, 1898, the Brookly Bridge Police and eighteen other police departments joined the NYC force. Captain James Ward was the only Captain for the department Ward was appointed on May 29, 1883 & retired at age 60, on September 23, 1893. He was succeeded by John W. Eason, of the Brooklyn City PD.