The Irish Connection

In late March of this year, Laura Abrahams and Susanna Booth, both Senior Producers for Stabil, a UK-based independent production company, contacted Past President Brian J. Sharkey to assist them in creating a mini-documentary for the United States Law Enforcement Foundation (USLEF). The Irish Connections Digital Exhibit was launched during the Memorial Weekend ceremony in May 2024, which commemorates a new chapter for the American Police Hall of Fame Memorial and Museum located in Titusville, Florida.

The exhibit highlights the extraordinary contributions made to US law enforcement by officers who proudly identify as Irish. Despite comprising approximately 10% of the US population, the Irish population in US law enforcement is significantly higher, at four times the rate.

The Irish American legacy of service spans generations and remains highly relevant in today's society. This is evident in the presence of pipe bands during Saint Patrick’s Day parades and the active Emerald Societies that span the country. Additionally, it is a story of sacrifice, exemplified by the numerous Irish names of first responders who perished in the September 11th attacks and those honored in the American Police Hall of Fame Rotunda and the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

I want to express my gratitude for the contributions of the following individuals from our Affiliated Organizations to the Irish Connections Documentary:

- James Ferguson, (son of the Late NYPD ES & GCUES legend James “Barney” Ferguson), Commissioner, New York State Parole Board (Ret)

- Brian Flynn, President, NYPD ES

- Brian Coughlan, NYPD ES & Past Bandmaster NYPD ES Pipe Band

- Patrick O’Brien, President, PESWDC, Founder, NCLEES

- Kathleen Murphy Lubey, Past President, SCPO ES

- Sean McCarthy, President, Boston PD ES

- Sarah-Jane Hassan McDaid, Boston PD ES

- Peter F. Whalen, Past President, NYPD ES & GCUES

- Brian J. Sharkey, Past President, NYCD ES & GCUES 

Below are the Irish Connections documentary and 4 short films, that was created with their contributions. Click each title and enjoy the Irish Connection Digital exhibit.