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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, April 21, 2024, pg. 2 Albion has a new collectible item that has just been issued by the Albion Department of Public Safety Officer's Association, in the form of a so-called "Challenge Coin." Challenge coins have become quite popular in recent years. They are typically given in the military or law enforcement as rewards for exemplary service for going above and beyond the call of duty. They are often given to police officers who retire or leave the force to thank them for their years of service. They can also be minted to commemorate an event or to promote a particular unit or topic. Albion's new Challenge Coin commemorates the arrival of the ADPS canine (K-9) patrol and narcotics dog named Tyson. This 2-inch diameter coin was produced by the Symbol Arts Company of Ogden, Utah, a manufacturer of commemorative items such as challenge coins, medals, pins, patches, buckles, key chains, and similar items. This is the same company that produced the Albion Department of Public Safety 100th anniversary medal in 2017. (Note: The actual month/year of the Department's organization was in January, 1916 when Albion was switched over to the City Manager form of government.). This new coin was ordered on February 6, 2024, and was released to the public on March 23, 2024 by the ADPS Officer's Association. The artist for this project was the lead Symbol Arts artist whose initials are "D.A" according to the invoice. The coin was struck in brass with a nickel plating, and a black nickel plating for the badge portion background. The rim bears a contoured petal design on both sides. The coin is coated with a hard enamel color finish. Its weight is 1.5 ounces. The edge of the coin is smooth, and is 3.5 mm. thick. The obverse (that's the front side) features an Albion Department of Public Safety badge in the center containing the text, "TYSON/ALBION/PUBLIC SAFETY/K-9." The seal of the State of Michigan is in the very center. The badge is surrounded by a stars and stripes design. The legend around the rim features a black background and reads: "ALBION DEPARTMENT OF/PUBLIC SAFETY," with three stars on each side. The reverse features an image of Tyson the German shepherd in the center, with black, brown, and olive coloring. The shiny nickel-plated legend around the rim featuring a black background reads, "PATROL/NARCOTICS/K-9 TYSON," with four stars on each side. It should be noted that Tyson is in no way related to or associated with Tyson Foods, a manufacturer of hot dogs here in the United States. Tyson's handler is recently-promoted ADPS officer Sgt. Dan Riley, the Department's new K-9 handler. Dan has been with the Department since August, 2016. These coins are now being offered to the public for $20 each. Proceeds from the sales of these coins will go towards the ADPS K-9 program expenses. This coin will be especially interesting to dog lovers in our community. With a mintage of only 300 pieces, it is sure to become a cherished piece of Albion memorabilia in the future. They are available from any ADPS officer, or at City Hall, 112 W. Cass St. while supplies last. For further information, contact Sgt. Dan Riley at: driley@cityofalbionmi.gov. How many of our readers have various "challenge coins" in their collections? How many of our area law enforcement departments in Calhoun and Jackson counties have "challenge coins" of their own? From our Historical Notebook this week we present both sides of the Tyson Challenge Coin issued by the Albion Department of Public Safety.  Both Sides of the Tyson Challenge Coin
All text copyright, 2026 © all rights reserved Frank Passic | Artwork copyright Maggie LaNoue © 2026
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