Hello Bonaire. I am a police officer in NY and one of my hobbies includes collecting various police and fire department uniforms and equipment from around the world. A few years ago, I came into possession of a hat for my collection. I am now trying to identify the hat and what department uses it. Through some investigative work, I was able to conclude that this hat is possibly a Bonair-related department, and most-likely fire department. But, I'm not 100% sure. If someone can take a look at this hat and tell me whether or not they know if its from Bonaire and what department, that would be greatly appreciated. A picture of the hat can be seen here:
http://tinyurl.com/d9fcm

If you know the answer, besides posting it here, if you can email me at charlesmtf@gmail.com, that would be most helpful. Otherwise, I can see it here if you post here.

Thank you much, from New York.

---Charlie

Charlie...don't think it's police, must be fire with those two axes... here is a bonaire Police hat....

Charlie...didn't know it was possible to collect these uniforms...shouldn't they be restricted as a "collectable"?

A lot of departments all over the world have restrictions. But, believe it or not, I've found departments outside the United States tend to be more lenient. Either way, its probably the biggest "collectibles" hobby in the world amongst law enforcement officers. Its a heavy hobby. I myself used to have approximately 3,000 patches from all over the world. Of course, being a police officer myself helped, as I was able to obtain patches from my own department and trade them with other collectors for their own items.

If it makes you feel any better, most collectors stay within circles of collector groups, such as those found on Yahoo groups and similar groups. Its not as restricted as you would think. But, Yahoo has restrictions on specific items within the hobby that are and are not allowed to be traded.

I collect police and fireman patches but after 9/11 police departments do not want their officers to give out patches. Where do you have all the patches? Mine are in a box for someday to frame them. Besides the USA, I have from Costa Rica, Finland, Germany and from Switzerland I have patch, shirt and hat.

SSG... I didn't know you collected patches... I can get you one of Steve's and mail it. ;)

We have a small collection from various customers at our store.
Guy also has a collection of old nozzles and extinguishers.
Salsa Queen & Kelly email me if you'd like Santa Barbara