Message from Michael Murphy, President

	Michael Murphy, President

Welcome to the recently redeveloped website of the NYPD Emerald Society.

Tommy Sullivan is recently retired from the department and was formerly the Financial Secretary for the Emerald Society.  He has volunteered his time and has been designated our Webmaster.  Tommy takes great pride in his work and is fully devoted to the Emerald Society and it's members.  If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact our Webmaster.  With our new website we intend to be on the cutting edge of resources that are available to all on the Internet.  You will be able to view our newsletters as well as apply for membership.  We will also, in the near future, make available for purchase our souvenir merchandise.  We also urge you to take a look at our photo gallery of past events and check out our upcoming events.

As we head into the spring and summer I can't help but reminisce about the events of the fall and winter.  In February the Society headed up to the Nevele for our annual Winter Weekend.  This was the first major event of my new presidency.  I would like to thank Tommy Sullivan and Tim Bergin for a job well done.  If you would like to attend next winter I suggest you reserve your spot early.  Based on the feedback we received following this year’s event, it is sure to sell out again.  I also thank all other board officers and members that attended and lent a hand to make the weekend enjoyable for all.

Also in February we held our Annual Dinner Dance at Leonard’s of Great Neck.  This was one of largest dances we have had in recent years.  Pat Lynch, President of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association was honored as our "Irishman of the Year."  The demand for tickets was overwhelming and we actually had to start a waiting list.  I thank Dennis Gallagher and Tom Cawley for all their hard work.  I also thank Jack Borsare for all the work that was done in raising funds for our scholarship program through our Scholarship Journal.

On St. Patrick’s Day, I had the honor of leading the Emerald Society up 5th Avenue.  With Dennis Gallagher (First Vice President) at my side we marched proudly through the snow.  This was our time to let New York know that the Irish are alive, well and still working in the NYPD.  I believe they got the message as evidenced in the applause we received from start to finish.

Our post parade celebration was held at Pier 88.  There were over 5,000 in attendance.  The Mike Sheahan Band provided the wonderful music as a backdrop for probably the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States.  As usual there were Police Officers from all over the country and from Ireland.  The all leave the party in awe at its immensity.  The Pipe Band capped of the day with a great show as usual.  The sound of the pipes and drums along with the roar of the crowd sends shivers down your spine as the band marches proudly through the pier.  For John Tansey this was his last St. Patrick’s Day as Bandmaster.  John has recently retired from the NYPD after 41 years of service.  I congratulate John for his many years of service to the Department and to the Pipe Band.  I also congratulate Brian Coughlin for his recent election to Band Master.  The Pipes and Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society is truly the greatest pipe band in the world and I offer my best wishes to Brian in his new role.

As the warm weather arrives I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events.  They are listed in this newsletter along with the persons to contact.  I wish everyone good health and happiness for the spring and summer and enjoy the good weather while its here.

Fraternally,

Michael Murphy
President, NYPD Emerald Society