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The NYPD Emerald Society held the January 9, 2012 General Meeting at Bishop Ford HS in Brooklyn. The well attended meeting marked a new era of leadership for the Society. It began with a strong bang of the gavel, as President Sean Patterson took the reins of the organization. Immediate Past President Richard Wall looked quite content in his new role as he relaxed and enjoyed the meeting while tie-less and inconspicuous among the membership. Wall after a very eventful and effective 2 year term at the helm leaves the presidency in excellent hands. It certainly has been an adventurous couple of years for Sean Patterson leading him to this historic position. Sean and his wife Anaida have seen his promotion to lieutenant, the birth of their son Liam, a deployment with the US Navy to the Iraqi coast, a safe return home and his return to the Emergency Service Unit. And now he is ready to lead the NYPD Emerald Society with full steam ahead as the Patterson Era has officially began. As the meeting started Patterson spoke with pride and appreciation, thanking the membership for giving their trust in him as the leader of the NYPD's largest fraternal organization. Following some business reports, the 2012 NYPD Emerald Society's Man-of-the-Year, Chief Joseph Fox was introduced. The well-regarded and respected boss was giving a rousing applause as he came forward. Chief Fox had served for better than a decade as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Boro Brooklyn South, where he forged his outstanding reputation among the thousands of cops assigned there. With a promotion adding a 3rd Star to his rank, Fox now commands the Transit Bureau. Speaking briefly, Chief Fox thanked President Patterson for this recognition and said he was truly honored and flattered by his selection. He admitted that since the days following his man-of-the-year selection, he has been congratulated continuously by countless well wishes. On the night of Friday, February 24th during our Annual Dinner Dance at the Leonard's of Great Neck, Chief Fox will be formally honored. A large crowd of his family, friends and admirers are expected to attend, so it would be wise to reserve a ticket soon. As the meeting continued 2 representatives from the Detective Endowment Association (DEA) were introduced Treasurer Paul DiGiacomo and Manhattan Trustee Billy McNeely. An Emerald Society donation from part of the proceeds of our William McNeely Golf Outing was given to the union's Widows & Children Fund. DiGiacomo thanked Patterson and Wall along with our golf committee of Jay Teahan, Scott Lloyd, Eddie Patterson and Greg Naeder. The outing was held in Staten Island back in July and has become a very successful event. Billy McNeely then spoke and thanked everyone involved for their work. He stated how proud and honored he and his family are knowing that his Dad Bill Sr. has been memorialized with the golf outing named for him. The elder McNeely was a Charter Member of the Emerald Society from when it was formed in 1953. He remained a very active member his entire life and loved all things Irish. Next up were some committee reports regarding upcoming events provided by Board Officers. Tom Cawley advised on the February 1, 2012 deadline for applicants to the Bennett College Scholarship, and Rosie Kelly spoke on this Saturday's January 14th High School Scholarship Exam held promptly 9 am at the Police Academy. Tom Sullivan invited everyone to the 47th Annual Winter Weekend set for Presidents Weekend February 16-20 at the Villa Roma Resort in upstate Callicoon. The Emerald Excursion into the countryside offers skiing, skating, music, dance, kids stay free, beer, wine & soda included & all meals for a great rate! Greg Naeder announced the Staten Island St. Patrick's Parade & Party on Sunday March 4th. The march down Forest Avenue will be followed by our family Party at the St. Peter Church hall. President Patterson and 1st VP Karyn Keenan discussed plans for March 17th, including the parade up 5th Avenue and the Post Parade Party on the Pier. The 50/50 Raffle followed and included 4 consolation prizes with a bottle of wine to each of the runner-ups. Bronx VP Eddie Patterson then worked his way slowly through the crowd as President Patterson requested donations to the Michael Ryan Benefit. He spoke of the 5 year old boy's courageous battle as he fights against a childhood cancer called T-Cell Leukemia. His parents Mike and Lauren are both NYPD retirees from the 72 Precinct. Eddie Patterson carrying a metal bucket collected bills large and small from our generous and compassionate Emeralds. The DEA men DiGiacomo and McNeely made a significant union pledge and the 50/50 raffle winner Michelle Naeder contributed part of her winnings. The Society's take on the raffle also was added to the collection. Sean plans to present an Emerald check to the Ryan Family at the January 28th Benefit at the St. Christopher Parish hall, 130 Midland Avenue in Staten Island. The benefit Dinner Dance is sponsored by the Island's LAOH & AOH Division 4. More information is in our website for those wishing to attend or donate to this most worthy cause. Retired Det. Chris Ryan (E-5, E-6) while representing his young ailing nephew Michael and the rest of the Ryan family was given a chance to say a few words. He sincerely thanked Sean Patterson and everyone else in the room for their support and generosity. Ryan went on to say "it's great to know that NYPD retirees are not forgotten". Next, President Patterson singled out a member of the audience, Sergeant Joe Redmond of the 70 Pct. Patterson spoke of the outstanding work performed by the recently promoted Redmond. On the night of January 6th Redmond responded with numerous other units to a 10-13, where a Narcotics Detective was struck and pinned between 2 vehicles during a car stop on Coney Island Avenue. The badly injured cop nearly had his legs severed from the impact. The quick actions of Sgt. Redmond as he controlled the bleeding until the injured cop was removed to the hospital were pivotal in the officers on scene treatment. Redmond credits the training he underwent at the ESU Specialized Training School before his promotion, with enabling him to aid a brother officer. That preparation and a small medical bag he always carries with him on patrol were vital as he provided first-aid to the horrific injuries. He received a great round of applause from the admiring members. As the meeting ended members continued to enjoy the music provided by the talented DJ Scott. Board Officers Dennis Gallagher and Tommy Glynn counted sales of numerous Membership Cards they sold at the door, as Greg and Michelle Naeder closed shop on a busy night of Emerald wear sales. Caterer Tommy Stagg's homemade "John Gallagher Tribute" soup was delicious and gratefully enjoyed by Dennis Gallagher. Next General Meeting will be back at St. James in Manhattan on Monday February 6th.
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