NYCD EMERALD SOCIETY INC.

NYCD EMERALD SOCIETY

The NYCD Emerald Society was organized on November 17, 1955, by James Mulvey and is the second oldest Law Emerald Society in the nation. The NYPD Emerald Society was founded in 1953.

The Society comprises active/retired Uniformed Members of Service (UMOS) and Civilian members of the Correction Department of New York City who are of Irish Lineage or Irish Spirit.

The NYS Penal Law designates UMOS as Peace Officers who have the power of arrest (on or off duty), entitled to carry firearms and patrol the toughest precincts in New York City.

The civilian members are made up of administrative, logistical, support, and trades personnel whose service is invaluable in the overall operation of the Correction Department.

Emerald Society Movement

It was during the 1950s that the movement for Emerald Societies took hold with the formation of NYPD Emerald Society (1953), NYCD Emerald Society (1955), and FDNY Emerald Society (1956). The movement led to the formation of Emerald Societies not only in New York but across the country.

The founder of the respective Emerald Societies, mindful of the fact that the average Irish Organization composed of Irish people from every walk of life, decided that the idea of occupational groups under the name of “Emerald Society” would provide a means of enabling Irish peoples by birth or ancestry, to meet their “Brother and Sister Emeralds” in the same trade or profession.

More importantly, it would be a new approach for Irish heritage to continue perpetuating their history, customs, and traditions.

Grand Council of Emeralds History page

The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies
(Charter Member)

National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies
(Charter Member)

New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The affiliated organization since 1955*
*The following NYCD legacy organizations affiliated with the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade: The Friendly Sons and The Catholic Guild. The New York City Correction Department was created in 1895 and has participated in the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade since the City Consolidation of the 5 Boroughs in 1895.

The Emerald Society is proud that four of our Past presidents have been honored to serve as the Aide to the Grand Marshal of the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. John P. Clark (1974), Brian J. Sharkey (1998), Thomas Farrell (2019), and Bernard Cassidy Jr. (2019).