History

The NYCD Emerald Society was established on November 17, 1955. This page preserves the Society’s founding story, historic leadership, affiliations, parade milestones, and past presidents. For the latest Board of Directors, visit Leadership.

NYCD EMERALD SOCIETY

“KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE”

It was during the 1950s that the movement for Emerald Societies took hold with the formation of the NYPD Emerald Society (March 16, 1953), NYCD Emerald Society (November 17, 1955), and FDNY Emerald Society (March 17, 1956). The Emerald movement led to the formation of Emerald Societies in New York City and nationwide.

The NYCD Emerald Society was organized on November 17, 1955, by our 1st President, James W. Mulvey, and is the second-oldest Emerald Society.

Established to unite members of the Correction Department of Irish heritage, the NYCD Emerald Society is dedicated to preserving Irish culture, recognizing the accomplishments of Irish Americans in law enforcement, and promoting educational advancement through family scholarships.”

Our membership comprises active/retired uniformed members of service (UMOS) and civilian members of the Correction Department, City of NewYork who have Irish Lineage or have an “Irish Spirit.”

The NYCD Emerald Society has produced leaders who have served at the highest levels of the Emerald Society movement.

National Grand Council of Irish Emerald Societies (NGCIES)

  • James W. Mulvey* — President
  • Adam F. McQuillan* — President
  • John P. Clark* — President

Grand Council of United Emerald Societies (GCUES)

  • John P. Clark* — First President (1975)
  • Brian J. Sharkey — President (1996–1998)

New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The NYCD Emerald Society has proudly represented the Correction Department in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1955. Prior to the formation of the Emerald Society, the Friendly Sons and Catholic Guild represented the Correction Department in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Among its distinguished honors, four past presidents have been selected as Aide to the Grand Marshal:

  • John P. Clark (1973) NGCIES
  • Brian J. Sharkey (1998) GCUES
  • Bernard Cassidy Jr. (2019) Kings County AOH
  • Thomas B. Farrell (2019) GCUES

The Society has been represented by delegates to the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for generations. Each affiliated organization has a total of two delegates and two alternate delegates. The current delegates are President Keith Blatz and 1st VP Kathleen McMahon. The alternate affiliated delegates are Retired VP Kevin E. Quinn and Historian Brian J. Sharkey. Brian is one of the longest-serving affiliated delegates, representing the NYCD Emerald Society since 1989, and he currently also serves as the affiliated delegate for the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies.

Past Presidents

  1. James W. Mulvey*
  2. James Slattery*
  3. Adam F. McQuillan*
  4. Vincent Toner*
  5. Thomas Fitzsimmons*
  6. John P. Clark*
  7. William J. Kennedy*
  8. Thomas J. Hayes Jr.
  9. Bernard Cassidy Jr.
  10. Brian J. Sharkey
  11. Brian P. Riordan
  12. Kevin E. Quinn
  13. Edmund Duffy
  14. Thomas B. Farrell
  15. Thomas Betts
  16. Michael Barzal
  17. Ryan Gunning
  18. Roy G. Miller
  19. Timothy N. Cowen

*Deceased

Legacy

For nearly seventy-one years, the NYCD Emerald Society has embodied the ideals of friendship, heritage, service, and leadership. Through its commitment to the Correction Department, and the Irish-American community, the Society continues to honor its founders while inspiring future generations.