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NYPD Emerald Society News/Events 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004
PASSING OF SGT. MICHAEL RYAN (QUEENS WARRANTS) ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2007With deep sadness the NYPD Emerald Society grieves in the loss of our long time member and a true American patriot Sgt. Michael Ryan. Mike succumbed to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after a long and valiant battle with this terrible disease. He first became ill after spending countless hours working at the 9/11 recovery site in Fresh Kills, Staten Island. Mike was one of the many NYPD members who searched through the World Trade Center rubble from the September 11th Terrorist Attack. It was a grueling and at times an overwhelming assignment as the remains and personal effects of 9/11 victims were recovered. It took painstaking efforts sifting through the tonnage by both machine and finally by hand eventually affording dignity to those lost souls. Sadly we now see how toxic much of this material was, as Mike Ryan and others have become so seriously ill. Mike took great pride in being a sergeant in the NYPD. He cherished sharing good times while with his family and his many friends in the Emerald Society and in the AOH. He leaves behind many heavy hearts that will miss him dearly. Mike is survived by his loving wife Eileen and their four beautiful children Liam, Erin, Casey and Aidan. Please remember them all in your prays.
In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation to: CHILDREN OF MICHAEL RYAN COLLEGE FUND PO Box 5041, Hauppauge NY 11788.
PASSING OF CHARTER MEMBER WILLIAM McNEELY ON NOVEMBER 1The NYPD Emerald Society mourns the loss of a true legend of the department. Bill died suddenly at the age of eighty-two while at home in Staten Island, while with his wife of fifty-six years Mary. The Brooklyn born World War II veteran served in the US Navy as a parachute rigger. In 1948 he began his long illustrious career with the NYPD. With much enthusiasm he started by pounding a beat in Manhattan. Within a few years he was part of a group of Irish Americans in the department who founded the Emerald Society back in the early 1950's.
 Bill was among the first card carrying members when the Society's Charter was first enacted in 1953. While in uniform McNeely earned a reputation as a tough as nails street cop who protected the citizens of Manhattan's Westside. He took great pride in keeping his foot post clean and the bad guys feared him. After proving himself on the mean streets he was rewarded with a promotion to the Detective Bureau. It was as a Detective that he realized his best years on the job. His determination and tenacity along with his knowledge of the street were renown. On many occasions when he found himself or another cop in a tough situation he would not hesitate to step forward into harm's way. Being brave and leading the way, was the style in which Detective Bill McNeely got things done. For his many exploits he was once again promoted and achieved the rank of second grade detective. His courageous and exciting career ended in 1974 with his retirement. In his later years he loved reminiscing about the good old days in the job. He was often urged to write a book about his many experiences. Throughout the years Bill stayed quite active with the Emeralds and attended monthly meetings. He and Mary loved going on the Emerald trips to the Catskills. There he would get together with old friends, while always reaching out and making new acquaintances. Bill loved to sing a few songs and tell a joke or two. He certainly was the classic Irish story teller and could entertain his friends with great tales. He is survived by Mary and his 5 grown children Susan Hudec, Sharon Cesario, Coleen Kumar, Jacqueline Vuono and Billy McNeely Jr. and he will be missed by many.
November, 2007 General Meeting
The November 5, 2007 meeting of the NYPD Emerald Society took place at St. Andrew RC Church in Manhattan. As the weather has become cooler it seems there has been an increase in the numbers of members in attendance, could it be our sumptuous hot buffet? With a well fed full-house President Jay Gerrity called the meeting to order with Prays and the Pledge of Allegiance. First on the agenda was the presentation of the NYPD Emerald Society Patrick J. O’Connor Medal of Valor. This autumn tradition continues to keep alive the memory of Patrolman O’Connor who was killed in the line-of-duty many Novembers ago back in the early 1970’s. Also remembered in our opening prayers was Patrolman Maurice Fitzgerald who recently passed away. It was on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24, 1971 that Fitzgerald and O’Connor were assigned together in Emergency Service. On that rainy night they were involved in a horrific motor vehicle accident on a Brooklyn highway. They were assisting a motorist and were stopped when their police truck was struck by a large truck. The intensity of the impact killed O’Connor and injured Fitzgerald so severely that he was left permanently disabled and forced him to retire. On this night President Gerrity read a brief account detailing the heroic actions of our 2007 Medal winner, Lt. Brian Connolly currently assigned to the 9th Precinct. On September 24, 2004 then Sgt. Connolly of 115th Pct. Anti-Crime Unit was involved in a lengthy stolen vehicle pursuit in connection with a robbery. Sometime around 3AM Connolly and Lt. Andrius Bagdzuinas (PBQN-A/C) came upon the stolen vehicle and its male occupant. The Lt. engaged in a violent struggle with the male and fought for his gun as Connolly came to his aid. During the struggle a shot was fired, and Lt. Bagdzuinas fell to the ground. Believing that his fellow officer had been shot Sgt. Connolly opened fire, striking the perp multiple times. When additional units arrived, Lt. Bagdzuinas was transported to the hospital and treated for injuries sustained in the struggle. The perp expired from his wounds. After reading the narrative President Gerrity called Lt. Connolly to the dais as the entire audience stood and gave a long and loud ovation. Mrs. Ann O’Connor assisted in presenting the Medal named for her husband. As the heroic Connolly held his Gold Medal and an accompanying engraved Emerald Society Plaque, he thanked Mrs. O’Connor, President Gerrity and everyone from the Emeralds for his well deserved recognition.
Next on the night’s agenda was the procedural vote casting for the next Board of Officers. The slate was nominated unopposed at last months meeting. The Election Chairman Bill Dwyer read off each name as the Recording Secretary Rosie Kelly caste one vote for each candidate as a required formality. Timothy Bergin as President-elect and Sean Patterson as 1st Vice President-elect will lead the new Board for the next 2 years commencing January 1st. Gerrity congratulated Bergin and all the incoming Officers. Tim Bergin was all smiles as his Dad, Past President Richie Bergin shook his hand and wished him well. Next came the introduction of 3 members from the NYPD Gaelic Football Club. The representatives were Noel Moloney, PJ Doherty, and Denise Cronin. The trio showed off their recently won Langan Trophy and Silver Plate earned at the International Police Gaelic Football Tournament played in England. The boys from New York first defeated the local team, during the semi-finals as they beat the London Met GAA. In the Championship Game they once again were the victors as they stunned the Dublin Garda Club. As an expression of the NYPD’s team appreciation for the Emeralds support Moloney donated a $500. check to President Gerrity. The check will go to our Scholarship Fund. The Clubs next game will be 3PM Saturday, November 10, 2007 in the Bronx at Gaelic Park. Their opponent will be the Mayo Garda, it should be a great time with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. We urge our members to cheer on our boys, as the teams play for this most worthy cause. As the meeting continued Past President John McLoughlin addressed the crowd. McLoughlin and a number of Board Officers had earlier in the day attended the funeral mass of Charter Member Bill McNeely, a founding member of our Society. McNeely age 82, was a familiar face at so many of our functions throughout the fifty plus years that he carried his membership card. He made countless acquaintances and was so very proud of his family, his Irish roots and his many years on the job. McLoughlin relayed Mary McNeely’s sincere appreciation of all the support from the Emeralds, the NYPD and her husbands Bill’s friends. Bill McNeely would indeed be proud of the beautiful sendoff he received at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in his beloved Brooklyn. It was a wonderful tribute with a US Navy Honor Guard, the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, NYPD Pipers, the 68 & 72 Pcts., Highway Patrol and Aviation all bringing honor to the retired Detective.
Manhattan North VP Don Rogers advised on the Annual Delegates Dinner. This year’s date is 7PM Friday, November 30, 2007. All delegates will be receiving an invitation in the mail. It’s always a great night and our Pipe & Drum Band will be in attendance. For further info delegates should contact their Borough Vice Presidents. Rogers went on to announce an upcoming 10-13 Benefit for the family of the late Det. Ari Figueroa (NYDAOS), who lost his life in a swimming accident. It will be 7PM Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76th Street Brooklyn, 11209. Rosie Kelly announced and immediately began collecting for the Annual Christmas Fund. The NY Shields will be honoring Past President Barney Ferguson with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This will take place Tuesday November 13, 2007 at the Eastwood Manor. For more info contact nyshields.com. By the end of the night one of the happiest Irishman was Dennis Gallagher winner of our 50/50 Raffle. Rumor had it he was looking to make a down payment on a micro-brewery!
Army/Football Game, October 6, 2007
On Saturday, October 6, 2007 the NYPD Emerald Society attended the Army Football game versus Tulane University. Hours before game time the Emeralds set up a tailgate camp, alongside the tranquil banks of the Hudson River, at historic West Point. With a summer like 80 degree temperature and a beautiful sunny sky above, members rallied under a large tent for our pre-game festivities. Many of the kids in the group tossed footballs around an adjoining open field. Some of our athletic adults also took part in the pigskin play. Board Officer Chris McNerney put on his own pass & punt show. With an American Flag flying overhead, and a well-placed Emerald Society Green & Gold banner attached to our tent, it was an inviting place to sit back and relax. Chairman George Anderson arrived earlier to assure everyone would be quite comfortable and well fed. There were plenty of ice-cold drinks to quench our thirsty fans, and a bounty of delicious hero sandwiches. Co-chairman Timmy Back led a party of revelers, who arrived by charter bus from points south in Long Island and the City. Despite some transportation problems the bus pulled in with plenty of time before the game started. Inside Michie Stadium the two teams put on an exciting exhibition. Tulane led most of the game, but the Army Black Knights made a strong comeback and eventually won in overtime by a 20 – 17 score. After filing out of the stadium a good portion of our fans regrouped under the tent. The well lit “temporary headquarters” was just as pleasurable under the starry nighttime sky. Nice work by the Black Anderson Team!
October, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the October 1, 2007 meeting at St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx. It was a night bustling with activity, a tripleheader of sorts. Among the elements of this three-act evening was our “Shamrocktober” hot buffet, with a German themed selection of entrees. Caterer Tom Stagg and company created a delicious tasting assortment of steaming trays. At part-two of the gathering President Jay Gerrity honored some distinguished members of our world famous Emerald Society Pipe Band. Gerrity as part of Band Recognition Night presented five Pipers and Drummers with inscribed plaques that bore the Society’s logo. Each of the honorees has served in the Pipe Band for many years, and their selections were well deserved. After the thirty man delegation from the Band marched into the assembly, they played a quick set of favorites. Gerrity then separately called the veteran quintet of Ed Nugent, Jack McGovern, Ed Phillips, Frank Calderon and Brian Meagher to the dais, as they each were greeted with their own applause and memento. As they returned to their ranks the Band resumed with another set of familiar tunes. The applause continued as they marched out.
Part-three of the program was "strictly business." Continuing our long tradition of Emerald-democracy, it was now time for the nominations of Board Officers. These men and women will serve their term on the 2008 and 2009 Board. President Gerrity called on the three-person Nominating Committee to start the process. Bill Dwyer, John McLoughlin and Bob Walsh were appointed to the ad-hoc committee at last month’s meeting. Dwyer announced each individual board officer position and the name of the nominee. The progression moved along swiftly, just like in the Roberts Rule manual. In the end all of the candidates proposed by the panel went unchallenged, as there were no nominations offered from the floor. As a result there will be no general election at next month’s meeting. Among the new positions are the following four Executive Board Officers; Timmy Bergin, President; Sean Patterson, 1st Vice President; Danny Murphy, Financial Secretary; Rich Wall, Treasurer.
In scholarship news, Tom Glynn advised the High School Exam is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the Police Academy. Tom Cawley stated applications for our Bennett College Scholarship will be available shortly. Members should have their dues in order. Both Glynn and Cawley can be reached by e-mail through our website.
A special guest at the meeting was welter-weight boxer James Moore, who hails from County Wicklow, Ireland. Moore comes to the USA with a 12-0 record. President Gerrity introduced the young pug, and urged everyone to support Moore in his next endeavor in the ring. He will be on the fight card Thursday-night, October 18th, at the Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34th Street in Manhattan. Working the crowd with Moore was his manager Brian Burke, and from the PBA Boxing Team Lee Packtor. Thanks to the work of Bronx VP Brendan Nolan and his committee of the Bronx Finest, everyone enjoyed a standout meeting. Our next meeting November 5th returns us to St. Andrew’s in Manhattan.
September, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the September 10, 2007 meeting at St. Andrew R.C. Church in Manhattan. President Jay Gerrity remembered the 6th Anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks on New York City and America, in his opening remarks. Chaplain Msgr. Martin Geraghty called on members to join him in prays for the brave men and women who lost their lives that day, especially those heroes from the NYPD. This was followed by a spirited chorus of members who proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
As the meeting continued, Gerrity welcomed everyone back from their various summer respites. It was indeed a terrific summer for the Society, with many successful events shared by hundreds of participants. Time was spent traveling to Ireland, Scotland, the Catskills, the Bronx, Coney and Staten Islands as our members took advantage of our long list of gatherings. In most cases all you had to do was bring your own sun block and enjoy the friendship.
Now as the season changes and football has arrived we will be hosting our Annual Army Game. The game is set for Saturday, October 6th at West Point versus Tulane University. George Anderson and Timmy Black have been busy selling tickets and planning the day’s events. This is always a fun time with our tailgate party and the Military Parade leading up to kick-off time in Michie Field.
On the business side President Gerrity reminded the audience that the October meeting will be nominations for positions on the next Board of Officers who will serve in 2008 and 2009. A three person nominating committee was formed and consists of longtime Emeralds John McLoughlin, Bill Dwyer and Bobby Walsh. This will be a very busy night, as it will also be our "Shamrocktober Meeting" as well as Band Appreciation Night. The menu will have some German treats and beverages. Our Pipers and Drummers from the Band will be honored for their outstanding work and support. All this will take place at St. Barnabas High School in the Woodlawn Section of the Bronx.
Among the happiest faces in the crowd was that of Board Officer Donnie Rogers. Donnie announced his retirement from his assignment at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Squad. He received many congratulations and handshakes throughout the evening.
Ireland-Scotland Tour, August 12-21, 2007
Once again, the NYPD Emerald Society made its way to the land of Saints and Scholars, touring from August 12th through the 21st. The 2007 delegation consisted of forty members and friends, including many previous Emerald Travelers. The journey began on a sunny Sunday afternoon at JFK Airport as we boarded the green Aer Lingus wide bodied jet for the smooth flight to Shannon. As soon as we cleared customs, we found our friendly smiling tour guide Lesley from Brian Moore Tours to shepherd us to our awaiting luxury coach. We began our route to Galway through the old market town of Ennis and westward to the Cliffs of Moher. Our first stop was to capture the breathtaking views of the cliffs on a beautiful sun filled day. We continued along the coastline of County Clare, through the charming villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara on Galway Bay. Once in the city of Tribes some chose to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel spa, and still others ventured into the main shopping area. After an all-inclusive dinner, it was off to the city for traditional Irish music and pint (or two) in a local pub. Tuesday morning began leisurely with a full Irish breakfast before our journey to Donegal. We traveled through County Mayo and stopped at the Holy Shrine in the Village of Knock, through Sligo, stopping at the shadow of Benbulben to visit Druncliff churchyard where W.B. Yates is buried. On then through the coastal town of Bundoran and Ballyshannon where we visited the Belleek China factory. On Wednesday morning, it was on to Derry for a walking tour of the famous walled city. The afternoon was spent driving on the Inishowen Peninsula the most northerly point of Ireland, for some rugged and spectacular scenery. On Thursday, we set off along the Antrim coast to the Giants Causeway, often described as the "eighth wonder of the world". Staying on the coastal road to Bushmills, we stopped for a tipple at the Old Bushmills Distillery. We continued into Belfast for our last 2 nights in Northern Ireland. On Friday morning, we departed our hotel for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Belfast city. On Saturday morning, we departed Belfast for the ferry to Scotland. Upon arrival, we had a short drive through the countryside and into the vibrant city of Glasgow. Sunday began on the "Bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomand" where we cruised the lake that made the song so famous. We continued into the highland towns of the trossachs where we visited a woolen mill and even saw a few highland cows. Our drive continued past Stirling where there were magnificent views of Wallace's Monument and Stirling Castle, we continued into Edinburgh for our last two nights. This evening we enjoyed a Scottish Banquet, sampled some haggis, and were entertained with traditional bagpipe music, songs and dance. Monday morning began a tour along Princes Street with its fine shops, through the lovely Georgian squares, and terraces of the new town. We continued along the historic Royal Mile to the palace of Holyrood, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Our tour concluded at Edinburgh Castle were we viewed the crown jewels and took in the breathtaking views of the city from the castle's ramparts. After dinner, we returned to the castle for the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo. On Tuesday morning it was off to the airport for the journey back to reality, even though Aer Lingus went on strike, Brian Moore Tours secured forty seats on another carrier to ensure that we were not stranded aboard.
June, 2007 General Meeting
The June 4, 2007 NYPD Emerald Society meeting was held at St. Andrew R.C. Church in Manhattan. In attendance were some members of our Emerald group that will be heading to Ireland and Scotland for our August trip "across the pond." President Jay Gerrity invited the group to get acquainted and go over their upcoming itinerary. Jay and his wife Mary Ann have been diligently planning this two-country excursion, and are promising a fun-filled jaunt. Many in the group stayed as the meeting began. Gerrity started by called upon event chairmen to discuss our busy summer schedule of events.
Joe Keenan advised on the sold-out 3-Day Golf Outing in the Catskills, Joe, Eddie Connolly and Jack Borsare continue to make this a huge success year after year. Eddie Patterson and Herb Griffin will be running a trip to the Brooklyn Cyclones game in July, this will include a celebration of Irish Night at Keyspan Park. Get their early for the tailgate festivities at the Coney Island Boardwalk. Tom Sullivan and Pete Whalen are still taking reservations for the 3rd Annual Summer Getaway in July. The Emeralds will be enjoying a long weekend at the Fallsview Resort with plenty of music, sunshine and good times to share. It's always a great family experience and is said to rekindle the spirit of the "old Police Camp". Brendan Nolan and Mike McNamee are selling tickets for the Yankee Game and Tailgate Barbeque. This is another leisurely way for our members and friends to soak up the sun, and enjoy some time together as the Yankees fight their way back into the pennant race. Looking ahead to September, Sean and Eddie Patterson along with Danny Murphy are bringing back the 1-Day Golf Outing, it will be in Staten Island at the South Shore Golf Course. They say the weather on the Island is beautiful that time of year! Reserve early this is sure to be a sell out. As always for these and all other events please visit our website for more info.
At the conclusion of the meeting President Gerrity wished everyone and their families a happy & safe summer. There are no meetings during the summer. Our next meeting will be Monday September 10th at St. Andrew.
May, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society's May 7, 2007 meeting was held at St. Robert Bellarmine R.C. Church in Bayside, Queens. President Jay Gerrity welcomed a large group of members, and their families to the High School Scholarship Awards Night. Our Chaplain Msgr. Martin Geraghty hosted the night's event, at this beautiful parish that he was recently assigned to as pastor. The large auditorium accommodated the entire group quite comfortably. After Msgr. Geraghty welcomed everyone and led the opening prayer the Scholarship Winners were introduced. President Gerrity called each of the young girls and boys up with their families. On stage they were presented with NYPD Emerald Society plaques bearing their names. Many photos were taken by proud parents and in some cases grandparents, on hand to celebrate the children's accomplishments. President Gerrity thanked all the youngsters who participated in the annual January exam. He also thanked the Scholarship Chairmen Tom Glynn and Rich Wall, for the excellent job they did making this another successful evening. Gerrity went on to acknowledge the contributions made to our Scholarship Fund. He cited three outstanding organizations for their monetary support; The Centurion Foundation, The New York Law Enforcement Foundation, and The Police Reserve Association. The generosity of these distinguished groups has become a vital asset to the Emerald Society, and is truly appreciated.
Everyone was then entertained by the Pipe & Drum Band. The Band marched in with a large contingent of Pipers & Drummers. Two of the proudest pipers were Timmy Adrat and Gene McNamara, they each had a scholarship winner. Daniel Adrat and Genevieve McNamara were among the night's fourteen honorees.
During the business portion of the meeting a variety of upcoming events were discussed. Among the upcoming warm-weather events on schedule are: Annual Fishing Trip, 3-Day Catskill Golf Outing, Brooklyn Cyclones Game, 3rd Annual Summer Getaway, Yankee Game and the Ireland-Scotland Trip. Plenty of opportunities for the Emeralds to have fun! The June Meeting will be back in Manhattan, at St. Andrew's.
April, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the April 2, 2007 meeting at St. Andrew R.C. Church in Manhattan. It was a busy meeting covering a variety of topics. President Jay Gerrity introduced guest speaker and former Commanding Officer of the Pension Section Joseph Maccone. Mr. Maccone who now does consulting for the PBA was very informative, as he spoke on a number of pension related issues. He gave a brief history of the Defined Pension Benefit, commonly referred to as the Variable Supplement. He also answered questions from the audience as he spoke for approximately 20 minutes. With his knowledge of the complicated workings of the pension system he explained everything in a clear and thorough manner. Hopefully he will be able to attend another meeting in the future. As a very fitting follow-up to our mini pension seminar President Gerrity called upon 5 members who were being honored on this Retirees Recognition Night. Among the group were former Board Officers Mary Beth Colby, Brendan Dolan and Richie Shenton. Also saluted for their Emerald service were longtime members Kathleen Mugan-Coletti and Kenny Walsh. They were all presented with Emerald Society inscribed plaques. The quintet of happy retirees looked quite pleased as they posed for photos, may there be many pension checks in their futures.
Before the meeting concluded President Gerrity thanked all those volunteers who helped make the festivities of March 17th a huge success. He stated their efforts made for another great St. Patrick’s Day for our membership and guest who marched and later attended the Party on the Pier.
March, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the March 5, 2007 meeting at St. Andrew R.C. Church in lower Manhattan. Once again it was standing room only as members filled the room to near capacity. Orderly lines formed for 2007 membership cards, clothing, the hot buffet and cold beverages. Yes it was the Emerald version of March Madness, as all over NYC everyone prepared for the St. Patrick’s season. President Jay Gerrity announced the March 17th agenda to the attentive audience. Marchers were to assemble on West 44th Street at 5th Avenue wearing the uniform-of-the-day for the grand march up the Avenue. Afterwards the Post-Parade Party will be held at Pier 92 on the westside of Manhattan. The Michael Sheahan Band will be entertaining the masses at the Pier. Other upcoming events were also announced including the May Fishing Trip, which will be chaired by Bronx V.P. Brendan Nolan. He will also be chairing the Yankee Game in July, we can’t wait for that warm weather to arrive. Past President Joe Keenan updated the membership on national news from NCLEES including info on the scholarship program and the Dollar Bucket supporting the Police Memorial. Brooklyn South & S.I. V.P. Danny Murphy spoke on the successful Staten Island St. Patrick’s celebration held the day before this meeting at St. Peter’s.
February, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the Monday February 5, 2007 Meeting at St. Andrew R.C. Church, in lower Manhattan. President Jay Gerrity conducted a fast paced business only summit. For the first time in recent memory there were no honorees or awards presented. High School Scholarship Exam chairman Tom Glynn announced the winners of the recently held test. 1st Vice President Timmy Bergin advised on the upcoming Dinner Dance, set for Friday February 24th. Winter Weekend chairman Tom Sullivan spoke on the trip to the Catskill Mountains occurring Presidents Day Weekend.
Among the many in attendance was retired Sgt. Jimmy O'Reilly. The former Board Officer was up from his home in Carolina, was that North or South? Jimmy looked quite at home, renewing old acquaintances. Retired Det. Kevin Coursey was the 50/50 Raffle winner. Rumor has it he will be treating his old pal Kevin Murphy to an "all you can eat buffet" while they're in sunny Florida!
President Gerrity also announced that our St. Patrick's Day celebration will be back at Pier 92, on Saturday March 17th. Other upcoming events will be the Staten Island St. Patrick's Parade on Sunday, March 4th. The Bronx Parade on Sunday March 11th. More info on these events can be found in our Website. Next months meeting will be on Monday March 5th at St. Andrew. It's a great opportunity to purchase a 2007 Membership card, and to update your Emerald wardrobe.
High School Scholarship Exam, January 20, 2007
The NYPD Emerald Society High School Scholarship Exam was held on Saturday morning January 20, 2007, at the Police Academy. Tom Glynn and Richie Wall chaired the annual event. Over forty eighth-grade students participated in the written test. The youngsters, who achieved the highest marks, will be rewarded with scholarship funds, when they enter their freshmen year in high school next September. At the May Meeting our young scholars will be recognized for their accomplishments.
2007 High School Scholarship Winners
| Boys |
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Girls |
James Toohey
James Walsh
Niall Croke
Patrick Steffens
Patrick McBride
John Cosenza |
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Genevieve McNamara
Moira Mansfield
Shannon Keane
Colleen Wilkowski
Christina Cordes
Michelle Strack |
January, 2007 General Meeting
The NYPD Emerald Society held the January 8, 2007 Meeting at Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn. On this night the memory of the late PO Frank Hennessy was saluted. It was just 1 year ago that Hennessy while in uniform and on patrol in the nearby confines of the 70 Precinct suddenly died. Frank Hennessy was born in Dublin, Ireland, and raised in County Longford. He was 18 years old when he came to America in 1989, and later joined the NYPD in 1997. As President Gerrity read an account of Frank's time, there was an accompanying photo tribute that captured some wonderful moments from his short life. All eyes were fixed on the screen as the U2 classic "A Beautiful Day" played. The photos recounted Frank's youth, his wedding day, moments with his precious daughters Deirdre and Shannon, along with some proud days in his NYPD blues. These snapshots certainly stirred the emotions of everyone. There were many tears shed once again for this proud Irish man. Regina Hennessy, Frank's widow along with 2 of his brothers Kevin and Patrick were in attendance. President Gerrity presented Regina with flowers, and small gifts for the girls, on behalf of the Society. The Hennessy brothers were given 2 Emerald Society baseball jackets, as a small token of appreciation of Frank's membership and participation in the Emeralds. Board Officer Rosie Kelly did an excellent job organizing this special remembrance. The men from Mann Productions, Gary Heymann, Charlie Caputo, Chris D'Angelo and Ted Valenti did an outstanding job with the photo and musical tribute.
During the regular business portion of the meeting President Gerrity thanked everyone for coming to Brooklyn. He noted that once again this was a well attended meeting at Bishop Ford. Board Officers Marianna Murray, George Anderson and Dennis Gallagher were busy selling 2007 membership cards at the door. Committee chairmen reported on upcoming events including January's HS Scholarship Exam, February's 42nd Annual Winter Weekend and the Dinner Dance. After the meeting adjourned many members remained and enjoyed the Brooklyn hospitality. There was plenty of good food from Tommy Stagg's catering, and ice-cold drinks as the music continued. This was just the kind of night that the Policeman Frank Hennessy would have enjoyed, after he was done keeping law and order in the streets of New York.
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