THE GARDA NEWS - Emerald Society

THE GARDA NEWS CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF CAMARADERIE AND SERVICE

Los Angeles Police Emerald Society

April 2014 Editor - Dennis P. Sullivan

President - T. Keleher


WEB SITE: www.emeraldsociety.net

Los Angeles Police Emerald Society FaceBook:

www.facebook.com/PoliceEmerald

2014 Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Board

Tom Keleher LBPD, President 562-810-6907

Mike Vela, LA County DDA, Vice President 562-972-1778

Dennis P. Sullivan LBPD, Treasurer 562-818-6969

Sean Carrion LASD, Sgt.at Arms 562-577-6716

Erin Colleen Sullivan LBHP, Quartermaster 562-760-5142

PLEASE REMIT YOUR 2014 DUES

$25.00 per year or $300.00 Life Time Member

NCLEES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies

www.NCLEES.org will be awarding four (4) $500.00 dollar

scholarships to eligible students. Students must be presently

in their senior year of High School and planning to attend col-

lege on a full time basis or must be presently attending college

and planning to continue to attend college on a full time basis

for the 2014 – 2015 school years.

Students must be the child of an active Emerald Society mem-

ber in good standing (2014 dues paid). The Emerald Society

chapter must be in good standing as a member of NCLEES.

(LAPES is in fact in good standing.)

Only one application will be accepted per individual student,

however, more than one student per family may submit an

application.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 1, 2014.

The scholarship will be chosen on a lottery basis at the May

NCLEES meeting in Washington DC. The winner will be noti-

fied by the member organization (LAPES) and will be asked to

show proof of attendance at schools that applicant states.

Vice President Michael Vela is chairperson of our scholarship

committee and will review all applicants prior to applications

being sent to the NCLEES. See attached NCLEES Scholarship

Application. Any questions contact Vice President Vela.

2014 ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER

The 2014 St. Patrick’s Day dinner was

by far the best in our 22 year history.

How fitting that our best dinner is the

dinner at which we recognized and

thanked the four members responsi-

ble for the founding of our beloved Los Angeles Police Emerald

Society chapter in 1992. Those four were of course, Bill

McNeely, Bill Murphy, Matt Mulvihill, and Patrick McNamara.

Bill McNeely and Commander Bill Murphy

spoke on the history and creation of our

organization briefly at the dinner and how

challenging it was to accomplish back in

1992. Bill McNeely has graciously offered to relay that fasci-

nating story at a future date to our membership.

We would be remiss as an organization, if

we failed to develop our Emerald Society

history in such a way that it will be avail-

able for those that come after us. We

have that opportunity now, to get our

history in both writing and recorded by the founding mem-

bers, in their own words and voices.

Speaking of our dinner, the new venue at the Los Alamitos

Joint Forces Training Base surpassed all expectations. It was

so well liked by our membership and guests, that we have al-

ready booked our 2015 St. Patrick’s Day dinner for Saturday

February 28, 2015 there. Tickets will be sold in advance only.

Our apologies for those of you that waited too long to pur-

chase tickets this year, only to find out that we had sold out.

Please get your tickets early!

What a Hooley it was! The Los

Alamitos Joint Forces Base Color

Guard started things off, compli-

Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Newsletter

http://www.emeraldsociety.net/





ments of Emerald Society member Colonel John Kanaley who

then led us in our Pledge of Allegiance. Emerald Society Chap-

lain Father Frank Hicks delivered the evening prayers. Griffin

Healy proposed a very eloquent & Irish toast. Followed by the

Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe Band (Scott Walton,

Cliff Armas, Cindy & Mike Apo-

daca, Terry McCarthy (from the

REAL LAPD!), Mick Rose , John

Humes, Ron Cody, Charlie Ezelle,

Marc Espinoza,

Chrisy Orcholski,

and Thom MacNamara.)

We brought Irish Dancing back this year thanks

to Erin Scott-Haines, owner of the McNulty

School of Dance.

The Trooper Thorn Band, led by charter Emerald Society mem-

ber Rick Boyle, performed for the second year in a row. And

they have been booked for our 2015 St.

Patrick’s Day Dinner. Our entertainment

was absolutely top notch and absolutely

IRISH!!!!

Our supporters came out in force this year. Thank you: Gal-

lagher’s Irish Pub Long Beach (Ciaran & Eugene Gallagher),

Auld Dubliner Long Beach (David Copley & Chris Caldwell),

Red Leprechaun Long Beach (Tracy Ames), Super Mex Restau-

rant on Spring St., Long Beach (Bob McCabe), and Joxer Daly’s

Culver City (Mehaul O’Leary), for their generosity. All of these

establishments are owned by Emerald Society members. Please

support them.

The Long Beach Police Officers Association (Emerald Society

members: Steve James, Phil Cloughesy and Robert Woods), Los

Angeles Police Department Motors (Member: LAPD Motor Sgt.

Mark Guardado), The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office

(Members: Heather & Bobby Brell, Mike Vela). Thanks to Gill

Sawyer, who once again donated the

handmade dirk he created. This

year’s model the “Shillelagh”, was

won by member Mike Head and his

lovely wife Jean.

We had strong support from through-

out the Southern California Irish com-

munity as shown by their presence at

our dinner. The Great Irish Fair (Griffin

Healy & Terry Anderson), The Irish

Center of Southern California (Tom McConville), Ancient Order

of Hibernians (Joe Daugherty), Friends of Ireland (Paddy Egan

& Pete Walsh), Inland Empire Emerald Society, The Rose of

Tralee (The Walsh Family)… We were joined by representa-

tives from Federal, State, County

and City Police and Fire agencies.

This was the first time that we’ve

had so many diversified Irish

community groups join us at our

dinner. It’s great to see the Irish

community coming together. United We Stand Divided We

Fall…

A few of our original charter members and former board were

in attendance. Bill McNeely, Bill Murphy, Mike Flavo, Gary

Mcaulay, John McBride, Jimmy Leen, Rick Boyle, Jim McDonnell

and Tom Keleher. Former LAPES President’s in attendance in-

cluded Bill McNeely, Bill Murphy, Bill Donoghue and Scott Wal-

ton. Former Sgt at Arm’s in attendance included John McBride

(twice) and Michael Murphy.

The Band performed under the tutelage of Pipe Master Scott

Walton. Later in the evening, Scott played a very touching tune

he wrote in remembrance of LAPD Officer Nicholas Lee. Ac-

companying Scott were Terry McCarthy, Mick Rose, John

Humes, Chrisy Orcholski, and Marc Espinoza. You could hear a

pin drop during the performance.

A special thanks to our guest speaker Long Beach

Police Chief Jim McDonnell. He has always been

here for this organization since we began in 1992.

Even in the midst of his campaign for Los Angeles

County Sheriff. He unselfishly took the time to be at

our dinner to salute his friends, Bill McNeely, Bill Murphy, Matt

Mulvihill and Patrick McNamara. Please visit

www.mcdonnellforlacountysheriff.com.

Thank you Fredda Keleher for the beautiful table center piec-






es. Thanks to Dennis Sullivan and Renee Escobeda for all of

your hard work before, during and after our dinner. Last, but

certainly not least, thanks to Erin Colleen

Sullivan for all of your hard work and

long hours. She brought our dinner up to a

new professional level. All of your hard

work is appreciated!!!

The event was a success and our goals reached, to honor Bill

McNeely, Bill Murphy, Matt Mulvihill and Patrick McNamara in

a meaningful way. The founding members of this organization

were truly honored and humbled by the well deserved and

long overdue recognition they received. It was evident in the

responses of both Bill McNeely and Commander Bill Murphy,

that they were indeed touched by the evening’s events. Matt

Mulvihill, who unfortunately was unable to join us due to his

commitments overseas, was also touched. In a letter he wrote,

which was read on his behalf by charter member Mike Flavo,

an academy classmate of Matts. It was evident how much he

appreciated the honor bestowed upon him. If they appreciated

the evening, and they did, then it was a success!

2014 HERMOSA BEACH ST.

PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Having marched as a member of

the Los Angeles Police Emerald

Society in in the 1st two Hermosa

Beach St. Patrick’s Day parades

(back in the day…) and the last

two (2013-2014), I agree with former LAPES President and

current Pipe Major of the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society

Pipes & Drums, Scott Walton, that as a group, we looked sharp-

er and more professional then in any other previous year. The

crowds could not get enough of the Pipes & Drums who have

never sounded better nor looked sharper.

Chief Jim McDonnell and his family once again

marched right alongside the troops. He led us

proudly thru the streets of Hermosa

Beach.

After the parade, LAPES member Bill Hallett and

his neighbors welcomed us to their neighbor-

hood, as they do each year. Thank you Bill, your hospitality

knows no bounds!!!!

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Mrs. Marian Sullivan-O’Donnell had back surgery. She is on her

way to a recovery and a pain free life.

Father Frank Hicks, St. Basil’s Church, Chaplain for the LAPD

and the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society, was involved in a

motor cycle accident. He is on his way to a recovery.

Former LAPES President and Lifetime member, George Carroll

is recovering from hip surgery.

Our prayers and best wishes to these Emerald Society mem-

bers during their recovery periods.

Former founding member, 1st LAPES V.P., 2nd LAPES President,

and LAPES Lifetime member, Matt Mulvihill send his regards

from South Africa.

UPCOMING EMERALD SOCIETY & IRISH COMMUNITY

EVENTS

April 19, 2014: Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold the AOH

1916 Easter Commemoration at 1PM at the VFW 805 east Syc-

amore St, Anaheim. Admission is free. AOH & LAPES member,

Terry McCarthy will perform with his bagpipes. Contact Jerry

O’Keefe (714) 998-9590. Please join us for a very moving expe-

rience.

April 27, 2014: Newport Beach Film Festival 530PM Edwards

Big Newport Theatre, 300 Newport Center Drive, Newport

Beach, Ca. 92660. This year’s show case film will be “Life’s A

Breeze “ featuring Irish Actress, Writer, Producer and recent L.

A. City 2014 Irish Honoree, Ms. Fionnula Flanagan. A “Hooley”

immediately following will be held at Muldoon’s Irish Pub

(walking distance from theatre). Food and entertainment pro-

vided, all part of the ticket price of $25.00. The evening’s en-

tertainment is our own, Emerald Society charter member Rick

Boyle & Trooper Thorn.

MAY 1, 2014: NCLEES Scholarships due date. (See above arti-

cle). www.NCLEES.org.

May 4, 2014: California Peace Officers Memorial Candle Light






Vigil: Sacramento. www.CPOMF.org.

May 5, 2014: California Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony.

Sacramento. www.CPOMF.org.

May 6, 2014: Friends of Ireland monthly breakfast 930 AM at

The Katella Deli Restaurant 4470 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos,

Ca. 90720. RSVP Pete Walsh, 714 200 7365 or

[email protected].

MAY 10, 2014: Noon: Los Angeles police Emerald Society PUB

CRAWL: Gallagher’s Pub 2751 Broadway Av., Long Beach

(Member Owned), Auld Dubliner (Member Owned) & Hennes-

sey’s- Seal Beach (Member Owned). Join 2014 Rose of Tralee

Kathryn Anne Bergman and Pipe Master Scott Walton. IN-

CLUDES EVENT T-SHIRT. Specific shirt sizes must be in by April 18!

Advance Ticket Purchase Only! Limited Seating. NO TICK-

ETS WILL BE SOLD DAY OF EVENT. Refreshments will be

served onboard. Appetizers at every stop. Contact Erin Col-

leen Sullivan 562-760-5142

MAY 14 & 15, 2014: National Conference of Emerald Societies

Memorial March and meeting, Washington D.C.

www.NCLEES.org.

May 18 2014: LAPES member Rick Boyle

(Trooper Thorn) performing 4PM-8PM at

The Harp in Costa Mesa.

www.facebook.com/TrooperThorn.

The Irish Fair Foundation, Inc. Board of Di-rectors is pleased to announce that the 39th BIG IRISH FAIR & MUSICFEST will be hosted on June 14-15, 2014 at ELDORADO REGIONAL PARK in Long Beach, California - where the 405 & 605 Freeways meet on the border between Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The new site adjoins Seal Beach and Los Alamitos. Isn't great to celebrate our St. Paddy's Day in June! The 2014 BIG IRISH FAIR will star The YOUNG DUBS, the FENIANS and ANITA AND THE YANKS. The new site is central of all of Southern California. Eldorado Regional Park is a fabulous expanse of green lawns with nu-merous mature trees and lakes. There will be plenty of space for all of the BIG IRISH FAIR & MUSICFEST activities and pro-grams from the lakeside Shamrock Bowl to Dirty Nellies Pub, the 6 stages of Irish Step Dancing competitions, sheepherding shows, the Irish Auto Show staring the 1952 Shamrockmobile, our special Irish Dog Exhibit, the lakeside Royal Tara Village and our Harp and Fiddle Traditional Music stage. Bagpipers

will be parading Irish sporting games and over 100 vendors of Irish Imports and specially arts & crafts. See the Irish fairy queen in Leprechaun Kingdom for the wee ones. Over 2000 performers showcased in 16 on-going separate entertainment zones - the BIG IRISH FAIR & MUSICFEST is the largest outdoor exhibition of Irish music, song, dance and sport west of the Mississip-pi. Over 30,000 Irish Fair attendees will be celebrating their Irish-ness. Come and join them. For more information, please refer to www.irishfair.org Boston National Conference.

September 25-28th, Boston: 2014 National Conference of Law

Enforcement Emerald Societies Fall meeting. The host hotel is

the Back Bay Hilton. Limited rooms remain. Activities are

planned every day including a Boston Red Sox vs. New York

Yankees baseball game. Also planned is a Boston city tour by

Boston Irish Cops! A unique, one of a kind opportunity…

www.NCLEESBoston.org

THE DOG TOWN PARADE AND ST. PATRICK OF ARMAGH.

By Bill Donoghue, Sgt. Ret. APD

I have just had the good fortune to visit my old hometown St. Louis, Missouri. My younger sis-ter, Kitty Murphy and my niece, Mary Celeste,

allowed me to join their excursion on March 12, 2014, for the annual St. Patrick’s Day and long awaited family visits. I ended up staying until March 24 and was honored to represent our brotherhood as retired Anaheim Police Sergeant; past presi-dent of The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society (LAPES) and with the friendship and blessings of The Orange County Hiber-nians (AOHOCCAL).

I was expecting to be marching in the historical “Dog Town” parade, instead I was allowed to ride in a van that was towing a “Blarney Castle” , wearing my All Ireland Green kilt, with an Anaheim police sergeant’s uniform shirt and was further per-mitted to travel the whole parade route, all the while passing tootsie rolls to the cheering crowds en route.

I was given the honors as I have described through the efforts of Mike Rowe of The Missouri Emerald Society, St. Louis Met-ropolitan Police Chapter and I was escorted and befriended by Det. Chris MacNamara and his colleague “Chip”. I couldn’t have had better guides and companions. After Dog Town, we visited the grand old McGurk’s establishment, in the colorful and also historic Soulard neighborhood of the great old town.


http://www.irishfair.org/

http://www.ncleesboston.org/ncleesboston.org/NCLEES_BOSTON_HOME.html





And we finally ended up at St. James Church, to complete the march.

I had been thoughtfully supplied by Mike with a handsome, green jacket, bearing a Missouri/Metro St. Louis Police Emer-ald Society patch, so that my Anaheim PD shirt need not re-main in evidence as we dined and supped.

All of the aforementioned might have been quite enough, to describe my gratitude to LAPES and especially LAPES presi-dent Tom Keleher, for allowing me to represent in this way. But being the history buff that I admittedly am; I was addition-ally awed by the story that unfolded, as we continued to share the police and Irish experience from California to Missouri. And special recognition must be given to the “Old Rock Church” of St. Patrick of Armagh.

It all began when my cousin, Betty Range, offered me an issue of “The St. Louis Review” suggesting it might be a good read. An article entitled “Irish Eyes Are smiling” by Joseph Kenny stood out. It seemed it might fit the moment. It was an account of the history of an” Old Rock Church” in Franklin County, just west of St. Louis, wherein Joseph Kenny tells of the many rea-sons for celebration at St. Patrick’s of Armagh.

Established in 1843 and receiving the first resident pastor in 1847. Fr. John O’Hanlon, made do with a “log structure”, until a larger structure had to be made of stone, “Quarried by hand”. One Billy Murphy, President of St. Patrick’s Preservation Socie-ty, which now maintains the church and cemetery is quoted by Kenny as saying: “We have everything rebuilt now. It took 40 years to get it done”. A caretaker lives at the rectory and some weddings and baptisms take place”.

This account by Joseph Kenny also contains the following star-tling and inspiring statistics and reasons for this special house of worship :

In the early 1800s, the area included almost all Irish immi-grants. The priest used to ride his horse once a month from Richwoods. The people for 10 miles around (now imagine traveling that distance in a buggy). Lutherans, Baptists, Pres-byterians, United Church of Christ were so starved to hear the Word of God, they would all take off work and come for ser-vices and dinner.

Many of the Protestant family members are buried in the cem-etery.

The traditional picnic takes approximately 300 people to put it on, Billy Murphy said and 150 of them are Protestant.

Central to this remarkable article, Joseph Kenny describes why Greg Caldwell, from Villa Ridge could have spent the day at

Dog town’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but thought that attending at the Old Rock on the Saint’s feast was even more appropriate.

Caldwell is described as a quarter Irish, including one John Colter, who was hired to go on the 1804 Lewis and Clark expe-dition. Another of Greg’s ancestors is Kincaid Caldwell, a col-league of Daniel Boone, and settled in what is now called Mar-thasville.

This should have been more than enough to make anyone en-thusiastic about The Old Rock Church, but when I then visited my sister, Sister Brigid O’Donoghue, DC, at her retirement home in Bridgetown, MO and began relating what I had learned from Joseph Kenny’s article; I became doubly im-pressed when her good friend, Sister Joan McDermott, was even more familiar with the story of St. Patrick of Armagh, as her own family had been devoted members of the congrega-tion. Who could’ve known. It is a small and wonderful world.

Many thanks to Sisters Brigid and Joan; to LAPES; to The Mis-souri Police Emerald Society, St. Louis Metro Branch, especially Mike Rowe; to AOH St. Louis and AOHOCCAL.

Many thanks for the friendship and brotherhood of Tom Kele-her; Chris Macnamara; “Chip” and Mike Rowe.

Sla inte,

Bill Donoghue

Future Events TBA:

Whiskey Tasting: Auld Dubliner Long Beach.

Tour: USS Iowa, San Pedro

Social &Meeting: Ocean front American Legion-Newport Beach

Tour: Ireland May 2019 ?

Erin Colleen Sullivan is looking for members who may be

interested in a trip to Ireland in May 2019? Contact Erin if

you are interested in exploring the possibility.

[email protected]






WARES

L. A. Police Emerald Society Wares For Sale: Wares for Mem-

bers Only. (Members in good standing only: 2014 dues paid.)

Visit our web site to view wares: www.emeraldsociety.net

Contact Quartermaster: Erin Colleen Sullivan at

[email protected].

Sláinte! Tom Keleher

President Los Angeles Police

Emerald Society

Dennis Patrick Sullivan

Treasurer & GARDA Editor


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THE GARDA NEWS - Emerald Society