Parade

Before the Emerald Societies existed, three City Agencies led the Parade up the avenue. These agencies were the NYPD, FDNY, and NYCD. Americans of Irish Heritage dominated all three Departments.

The New York City Correction Department was established in 1895 with the City’s consolidation of the five Boroughs. It has participated in the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for over 100 years.

The NYCD Emerald Society was organized in 1955. Before 1955, the NYCD legacy fraternal organizations were affiliated with the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day. They coordinated the Correction Department’s involvement in the Parade. These organizations were the Friendly Sons and the Catholic Guild.

The NYCD Emerald Society is number three in the Parade seniority sequence of Emerald Societies.

Notable Parade Honors
Four NYCD Emerald Society Past Presidents have served as Aide to the Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

John P. Clark (1973)
Brian J. Sharkey (1998)
Bernard Cassidy Jr. (2019)
Thomas B. Farrell (2019)

This distinction represents one of the highest honors bestowed upon members of the Emerald Society movement and recognizes outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the Irish-American community and the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

John P. Clark’s selection in 1973 was particularly significant, as he later became the first President of the reorganized Grand Council of United Emerald Societies in 1975, helping to shape the future of the Emerald Society movement throughout the United States.

NYCD EMERALD SOCIETY INC.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization EIN:85-3661787