Uncommon Valor: Insignia of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit

The New York City Police Department s Emergency Service Unit is one of the world s preeminent tactical and rescue units. Their ten squads, positioned throughout the five boroughs of New York City, provide heavy weapons support to other units of the NYPD, as well as lifesaving equipment to the residents of the Big Apple . The nearly 500 members of this elite unit are some of the most highly decorated members of the Department. As a result, their insignia has been long sought after by fellow operators and collectors around the globe. In this book, the author reveals the insignia of ESU and the history behind it. From the unit s first patch, created in the late 1920 s, to some of the rarest Truck patches, produced in the 80 s. It also explores the history of the NYC Housing and Transit Police, Emergency Rescue Unit s, which were merged into the NYPD ESU in the mid 90 s. With over 200 color photographs, Uncommon Valor Insignia of the NYPD s Emergency Service Unit, provides the most comprehensive examination of this unit s insignia ever conducted.