ESTABLISHED 1956

The Emerald Society was first established in 1956. The Society was formed by Irish born, or Irish descent, that were proud of the glorious traditions that were brought from Ireland to the United States of America and to the New York Fire Department.

The first President of the Society was Eugene O’ Kane. Over the years the Society has boasted many proud Irish Leaders with strong links to Ireland including William Brennan, Bill Thomas, Edward Thompson (Alive and well in Fredericksburg, Virginia), Edward Walsh, Michael Dunne, Disk Harrington, William Whelan, and current President of the Society, William C. Nolan.

Back in 1956 the Rolls listed some 1,500 Members. Today those numbers have swelled to well over 7,500 Members, both active and retired. These Members reside throughout the New York area and surrounding States, with some retirees corresponding from as far as the western California Coast.

The Society grants 6 scholarships annually to students attending High School level valued at $1,500 each. Our test is given on the first Saturday in March. A seventh Scholarship will be presented in honor of Hughie McCabe, a former board member who gave 50 years of dedicated service to the Emerald Society.