history

The History of the Summit Police Patch
The patch is proudly worn by members of the Summit Police Department. The picture depicts a cannon and torch beacon. It represents a numbered station in the communications network that General Washington set up to guard his lines and the Morristown Headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Beacon #10 was a tall pole with a tar barrel at the top. The alarm was given by igniting the barrel and firing an iron eighteen pound cannonball from the “The Old Sow.” The Old Sow was put into position in 1777 from a site 447 feet above sea level. It offered a view of the east and south costal plains, including the entire seaboard of New York. Beacon # 10 and The Old Sow helped rally the local Militia units on June 7th and 23rd to fight the Hessians in what later became known as “The Battle of Springfield.”

History of the Summit Police Department
In 1664 the region was passed from Indian to Colonial possession by way of purchase. Summit's earliest settlers arrived around 1710. During this period and for some time afterwards, Summit was called "The Heights Above Springfield" and was considered a part of New Providence. Around 1750, Summit was named "Turkey Hill" to mark it apart from New Providence which was known as “Turkey.” Later, the name changed to “The Summit.” In 1837 the railroad was pushed over The Summit and the new name was shortened to “Summit.”

In 1880, the township committee was able to employ the first Summit police officer, Pat McMahon. His dutiesincluded patrolling the streets of Summit on foot and lighting the many kerosene lamps around the city. 

A second officer Bernard "Barney" Gannon was added in 1883, the population at that time was about five thousand residents. In 1889, when the city was incorporated, Summit’s Police Department grew to include a Captain and four patrolmen.

There were no radios or cell telephones to communicate with officers. For many years a tall pole stood in the center of town with a blue electric lamp atop, should the uptown officer be needed the light would be lit, indicating that the officer was required to call HQ.

Today, the Summit Police Department consists of 46 sworn officers each of who undergo rigorous training and possess specialized skills. Additionally, the department is outfitted with modern equipment to that helps them serve the citizens and visitors of the City.