CELEBRATING ALL THOSE WITH IRISH ANCESTRY WHO SERVE AND WHO Have Served
Our 25th Anniversary year!
2000 - 2025
Celebrating 25 years of service to the Colorado community while honoring our Irish heritage
About Colorado Emerald Society
Our Mission
The Colorado Emerald Society was formed to help foster the Irish heritage and traditions within public safety agencies, to promote and preserve the accomplishments the Irish have made to law enforcement and fire service. The Colorado Emerald Society is a social organization of men and women of public safety who are dedicated to their country and committed to the protection of our citizens. Our goals include sponsoring bagpipers who represent the State of Colorado at the National Peace Officers Memorial March and Service in Washington D. C., and the International Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Colorado Springs, as well as leading the Colorado Emerald Society in Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Our philanthropic focus is centered on providing scholarship opportunities for family members of law enforcement, firefighter and public safety personnel.
Our History
The first “Emerald Society” was started in 1953 by the New York Police Department. Three years later, in 1956, members of the New York City Fire Department started the first Fire Emerald Society. The ancient Celtic tradition, to play the pipes at a fallen comrades funeral, was brought over by the Irish to police and fire departments. As such, the NYPD Emerald Society started the first police pipe band in 1960, followed by the FDNY pipe band in 1962. Over Fifty Emerald Societies exist in the United States today.
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. From our members to our board, everyone at Colorado Emerald Society is committed to our mission and the community we serve. Public and community service is in our hearts.
Our Current Board Members
- President Patrick O’Toole
- Vice President Jim Patterson
- 2nd Vice President Sam Walters
- Treasurer Tim Turley
- Secretary Kay Davidson
- Associate Delegate Jacci Mason
- Trustee John Andrud
- Trustee David O’Shea-Dawkins
- Trustee Chris Molloy
Past Presidents
- Steve O’Neill (2022 – 2024) U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service
- Joe Leete (2018 – 2022) Fairmount Fire District
- Steve O’Neill (2014 – 2018) U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service
- Dan Farley (2012 – 2014) Denver Fire Department
- David O’Shea-Dawkins (2008 – 2012) Denver Police Department
- Brian Reilly (2004-2008) U.S. Park Police
- George Bernard Kennedy (2000-2004) Denver Police Department
The Colorado Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band
Our Vision
WHO IS THE COLORADO EMERALD SOCIETY PIPE BAND?
The Colorado Emerald Society Pipe Band is a volunteer organization associated with the non-profit group Colorado Emerald Society. The band is comprised of members of the fire service and law enforcement communities dedicated to honoring OUR FALLEN, and preserving the Celtic heritage of our professions. Our current roster has over 80 members representing over two dozen public safety agencies.
WHAT DO WE DO?
The primary purpose of the band is to be available to honor fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers. We also play numerous performances, fundraisers and memorials throughout the year. The Colorado Emerald Society Pipe Band participates annually in the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial at Camp George West, Colorado Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Lakewood and the IAFF National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs On occasion, we are available for hire for other public safety related events. Additionally, many of our pipers are available for hire for funerals and events. Please send us an email if we can help you!
WHEN DO WE PRACTICE?
The band rehearses three times a month at various locations throughout the metro area. We are not a teaching band, meaning that all of our members come to us with experience in piping or drumming from other bands or having learned with other instructors. Consider joining us if you are an active or retired firefighter or police officer and have bagpiping or drumming experience!
WHY BAGPIPES?
The association of bagpipes with law enforcement and fire departments in the United States can be attributed to Irish immigrants who filled the ranks of the early public safety departments. Those immigrants brought many of their traditions to the United States, including their music. The prevalence of the Irish in the early history of American law enforcement and fire service brought together the well-known association of the bagpipe with our professions
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission and values of the Colorado Emerald Society Pipe Band are to develop and maintain a band that is dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and musical quality. The band’s commitment to excellence will be guided by the understanding that it represents not only the Colorado Emerald Society, but all Colorado Public Safety Professionals.
Our Impact
Scholarship Program
At the Colorado Emerald Society, a major focus of our membership is to offer scholarship opportunities to deserving family members of law enforcement, firefighter and public safety personnel. These scholarships are awarded through a competitive process on an annual basis. Since 2000, CES is proud to have awarded over $100,000 is academic scholarships.
Our Success Stories
Over the years, we have helped countless individuals and families overcome financial, medical, and social challenges. Our success stories are a testament to the impact of our programs and the dedication of our team and supporters.
Support our Scholarship Fund
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to provide scholarships to deserving family members of law enforcement officers, firefighters and public safety personnel. The Colorado Emerald Society is a 501 (C) (3) and all donations are subject to tax exemptions in accordance with IRS regulations.
Welcome to Our New Website
Welcome to the new Colorado Emerald Society website. Please be sure to bookmark CoEmerald.org and make note of our new email: Info@COEmerald.org.