Jefferson County Law Enforcement History Project

02/26/2026

Today I had the true honor of sitting down with Mr. Neil Bingaman — 88 years young and a living piece of Jefferson County history.

Mr. Bingaman is known to many as the builder and owner of White Oak Lanes Bowling Alley in House Springs. He purchased land off what is now appropriately named Bing’s Way and built a 20-lane bowling alley complete with six pool tables. White Oak Lanes was open 364 days a year — closing only on Christmas Eve — and more often than not, you’d find Neil and his family there running the business themselves, with Neil often barbecuing on 4th of July and Memorial Day.

During those years, the bowling alley occasionally attracted a rough crowd. Rather than simply hiring off-duty deputies for security, Neil made a decision that speaks volumes about his character — he joined them. He graduated the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Academy as the Colonel of the Reserve Program, which had more than 50 reserve deputies serving under Sheriff Walter “Buck” Buerger.

Neil shared several incredible stories, but two really stood out.

The first was about fi****ms qualifications when he entered the Reserve Program. The requirement? Load a revolver with six rounds and fire at a coffee can across the Big River. If you could do that, you were authorized to carry a weapon. The unbelievable part — you didn’t even have to hit the can.

The second story involved a case he worked alongside his partner, Gary Dougherty. While headed to Denny’s for breakfast, they were on Sugar Creek Rd when Neil spotted a vehicle that had been broadcast earlier in the shift as being connected to stolen property. That traffic stop led to a two-day investigation and ultimately the recovery of over $1 million in stolen items. What started as a routine patrol turned into a major case.

Neil also preserved many of his certificates and items from his time in service, which he graciously allowed me to photograph. Holding those pieces of history — and hearing the stories behind them — was something I won’t soon forget.

I’m looking forward to visiting him again soon to hear more of his stories and continue preserving the rich law-enforcement history of Jefferson County.

We are fortunate to still have men like Mr. Bingaman here to tell their stories firsthand.

02/17/2026

Here’s an incredible piece of Jefferson County History that is nearly 100 years old.

I was able to locate this campaign card for Carl D. Clark who ran for Jefferson County Sheriff in 1928. Sheriff Clark was ultimately elected and served our county from 1929-1932.

01/22/2026

Some nice additions to my collection today from the Pevely Police Department, which were graciously given to me by Chief Mayberry.

These items and others in my collection, will be displayed at this years National Police Collectors Show in St. Charles on July 10th, 11th, and 12th. This is the premiere law enforcement collectors show in the country, and this year I am honored to be one of the show hosts.

Please check out our website, npcs-2026.com for further.

Thanks again Chief for these awesome badges!

12/28/2025

Added two incredible pieces to the collection tonight, thanks to a good friend!

The flex badge is one currently worn by officers today. The subdued patch is especially unique — one of only three known to exist. It came from a short-lived Pevely Police Department tactical unit that was active for just four years.

Truly grateful for the generosity and for the chance to help preserve a small but meaningful piece of local law enforcement history. Thanks again, brother!!

11/27/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃

As we enjoy time with family today, let’s remember the first responders who are spending the holiday serving and protecting our communities. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

11/24/2025

Earlier today I met up with Chief Curtis at Hillsboro PD. I had in my collection an original Hillsboro City Marshal and Deputy Marshal badge. These two badges were from around the 1940s to 1950s, well before the establishment of the Police Department in 1973.

In exchange for those two badges, Chief Curtis graciously updated our collection with these amazing pieces. The patch was the last style patch from Hillsboro I needed to complete my collection. Thanks again Chief!

11/22/2025

I recently had the privilege of obtaining these historic items from Jefferson County. They were obtained from my close friend Caleb with the Cape Girardeau County Law Enforcement History Project.

This badge and commissions belonged to John Reavis Tomes who was a Deputy Constable of Meremac Township under Constable Adolph Bauer. Tomes was a Deputy Constable from 1935 to at least 1941. All 3 commisions are signed by Tomes, Bauer, and Justice of the Peace H.J. Dickhardt, out of Cedar Hill Missouri

Meremac Township, now defunct, was established in 1821 and encompasses a large portion of unincorporated northwestern Jefferson County. This area included the towns of: Cedar Hill, Dittmer, Lake Tekakwitha, Hoene Springs, and Byrnesville.

We are honored to have these historic items!

11/20/2025

Steve is the perfect guy for this job. I’ve known Steve for years through the collecting community and you will not find a more stand up guy. He is dedicated to preserving the history of the fire service and his knowledge is remarkable. I have no doubt he will flourish in this role! Congrats brother!

11/20/2025

Honored to have received this award last night. I am thankful for all the first responders who were there that night. Without them, it would not have been a success.

We responded a mobile home fire in September in which an autistic teenager was trapped by the flames. Quick action and incredible teamwork by dispatch, fire, EMS, and police saved that teenagers life. Last night the following First Responders were presented with the Meritorious Service Award at the Byrnes Mill Board of Alderpersons meeting. They are Jeffco 911 Dispatch Telecommunicators Harris and Stoutenborough, High Ridge Firefighters Hasenbeck, Captain Bruns, and Engineer Cobb, North Jefferson County EMS Paramedics McCarver and Hasenbeck, and Byrnes Mill Police Officers Korte and Sergeant Umfress. Congratulations for a job well done. Chief Frank

06/28/2022

Congrats Sgt Kausler! Enjoy your retirement sir!

06/05/2022

Nice addition to our collection today. This beautiful badge from Cedar Hill Lakes.

Some of the small lake communities in Jefferson County would hire deputies and officers to work part time security for them. This badge is probably from the 1970s-1980s.