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NYPD Emerald Society member Sgt. Brian Coughlan was born and raised in Brooklyn. He attended local Catholic schools, starting first at Our Lady of Perpetual Help grammar school and then Bishop Ford HS. As a youngster he was first introduced to the bagpipes. And while many find the pipes quite challenging to master, Brian showed great promise almost immediately. Hours of practice enhanced his natural talent and after graduating high school he was rewarded for his superior play. He went on to Iona College in New Rochelle, with a music scholarship, his trademark bagpipes and his love of Irish music. His skills on the pipes continued to improve while playing for the Gaels and he became their Pipe Major. Following college, his lifelong dream of becoming a New York cop was realized, when he was sworn-in and entered the Police Academy. After graduating and then becoming eligible he promptly joined the world famous Pipes & Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society. The young rookie established his reputation as an outstanding piper early on. At the same time he learned the world of police work, while patrolling the busy streets of Midtown Manhattan. In December of 1995 Coughlan was promoted to Sergeant and after serving as a patrol supervisor he moved to the Detective Bureau. After a few years, as a squad boss in several Precinct Detective Squads in the Manhattan South area, Coughlan requested a transfer to the Bomb Squad. His arrival to the Bomb Squad came with requirements unique to the highly trained and specialized unit. He needed to study chemistry and the science of explosives, clearly subjects you won't find in the Patrol Guide. Much of his training involved travelling across the country to specialized schools and federal facilities. Among his proudest achievements was being selected to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Coughlan's rise in the Pipe Band has also kept him busy. Before becoming the Bandmaster he was one of the unit's Pipe Sergeants and then Pipe Major. His travels with the Pipe Band have taken him all around the country. He has also performed internationally, with Band trips to Ireland along with Australia, Canada, England, Germany and Switzerland. He cites playing a bagpipe solo, in St. Patrick's Cathedral during the funeral mass of "band legend Finbar Devine" as the highlight of his piping career. As in demand as he is, Brian always seems to find time to attend our Emerald monthly meetings. He can be counted on for a good laugh and his sharp Irish wit is well known by all his many friends. Laughter may be the best medicine for a man with these two extremely demanding jobs. Leading the one hundred plus members of the Pipe Band and supervising bomb techs, in this frightening era of terrorism could make a lesser man crumble. Keeping track of all the Pipe Band's commitments that vary from street dedications, promotions, retirements, weddings and numerous other ceremonies requires plenty of organization and planning. Among the toughest of their missions, is performing a dignified and honorable send off to Police Officers killed in the line-of-duty. It is with great pride and fierce loyalty, that our lost heroes are given their final tribute by the Pipes & Drums. It would be unimaginable for anyone other than the Band to fill that role. But as the Irish are known for remembering the dearly departed, the celebration of life can be just as important. On March 17th there is nothing more invigorating than marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and following the "world's greatest Pipes & Drums." Somehow all these obligations are met and the Bandmaster and his team make it look easy. As Sgt. Coughlan of the elite and prestigious NYPD Bomb Squad, things certainly don't get any easier. Protecting the citizens of NYC, in this post 9/11 climate, means staying ahead of the evil-doers at all times, around the clock. In the "city that never sleeps" vigilance means always hoping for the best, but always prepared for the worst. For the men and the women of the NYPD this is their mandate. In times of extreme danger, it will be bosses like Brian Coughlan who will lead the way. As the old saying goes, "behind every great man is a woman." For Coughlan this certainly rings true, with the love and endless encouragement his wife Patricia gives him. Together they have four young children who are the center of their universe. With sons Conor, John and Brian along with their daughter Caile also known as their "Princess", their Long Island home is always bustling. We hope the Coughlan Family shares the "Big Guy" with the NYPD and the Emeralds for some time to come. Q & A Why did you become a member of New York's Finest? What's the best part of your current NYPD assignment? What do you enjoy most with your membership in the NYPD Emerald Society? What do you do during your off-duty time? What would you consider your most memorable day in the NYPD?
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