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Colorado Emerald Society
Who We Are
The Colorado Emerald Society is proud to represent a tradition rooted in Irish heritage, public service, and community connection. Based in Denver, we are a fraternal and cultural organization comprised of active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, and public servants who share a common bond through Irish ancestry and pride.
Our mission is to honor the contributions of Irish Americans in public safety, preserve and promote Irish culture, and support charitable efforts throughout Colorado. Through events, outreach, and partnerships, we strive to strengthen the ties between heritage and service while giving back to the communities we serve every day.
From marching in the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade to hosting social gatherings, fundraising initiatives, and charitable programs, the Colorado Emerald Society provides opportunities for fellowship, networking, and meaningful engagement. We are committed to supporting our members, recognizing excellence in service, and fostering the next generation’s connection to Irish identity and public service.
Whether you are looking to join, support our mission, or learn more about our work, we welcome you to be part of a proud and enduring tradition.
Sláinte.
CELEBRATING ALL THOSE WITH IRISH ANCESTRY WHO SERVE AND WHO
2000 - 2026
26 proud years of service to the Colorado community while honoring our Irish heritage
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 in 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.
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
About our band...
The Colorado Emerald Society Pipe Band is a distinguished volunteer organization operating under the umbrella of the Colorado Emerald Society, a nonprofit dedicated to service, heritage, and community. Comprised exclusively of members from the fire service and law enforcement professions, the band stands as Colorado’s only pipe and drum band made up entirely of first responders. With a roster of more than 80 members representing over two dozen public safety agencies, the band reflects both the strength and unity of these professions.
The band’s primary purpose is to honor fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers. This solemn mission guides their presence at memorials across the state and nation, including the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial at Camp George West, the Colorado Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Lakewood, and the IAFF National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. In addition, the band participates in community events such as the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade and supports fundraising efforts throughout the year. While the band may occasionally perform at other public safety-related events, its core identity remains rooted in remembrance and service.
The Colorado Emerald Society Pipe Band is not a teaching band. All members are expected to arrive with prior piping or drumming experience, maintaining the high level of professionalism and musical excellence that defines the group. Rehearsals are held regularly throughout the metro area to ensure consistency and readiness for performances.
The tradition of bagpipes within American public safety traces back to Irish immigrants who filled the early ranks of police and fire departments, bringing with them a rich musical heritage that remains deeply embedded today. The band carries this tradition forward with pride.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, the band represents not only the Colorado Emerald Society but all public safety professionals across the state.
New CES Store
Introducing the new Colorado Emerald Society On Demand Store for whole new range of CES products. We'll still still operate our traditional e-commerce store while inventory lasts but please visit our new On Demand CES Mart too.