FEBRUARY  2024 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for making this, my first year as President of the organization, a warm and fulfilling endeavor. I will continue to strive making our group more inclusive, and hope that most if not all of you will make the effort to participate in the events we plan as this year and future years go by. I have a few things in the planning stage and welcome ideas from all members to see them through so that we can make these events an exciting time for everyone.

Last year, we started a new event that took place at a Phillies game and included tailgating and tickets to an exciting game at Citizens Bank Park. This event was an overwhelming success, and we plan to do some more along those lines. We are also looking into a trip to Ireland soon that will both be affordable and a wonderful time to be had by all. What better person to explore this trip than one of a very own member, Martina Sweeney, who was born in Ireland and will know some things about the Emerald Isle that few of us have had the fortune to experience. Once the details of this endeavor are finalized, complete with prices and an itinerary, I will get them out to all of you to explore for your interest.

For those members who don’t know me, I am a 28-year member of the Philadelphia Police Department. I began my career in 1995, arriving in the 22nd District where I stayed for over 15 years. I worked on a BD (burglary detail) team there for approximately 12 years, then in the NETS (narcotics enforcement) team for my last three years. I then transferred to the Juvenile Enforcement team. We served warrants on juvenile gun offenders while monitoring those on probation. I was then assigned to the K9 unit at Philadelphia International Airport. I am married with three adult children. Two of them are also Philadelphia Police Officers. I have also been a member of the FOP Lodge 5 Executive Board for the past 14 years, currently serving as a Vice President.

I hope to meet many of you at our Emerald Society events, one of which is approaching on March 8th. Come join us at the FOP for our pre-Saint Patrick's Day Party from 7PM to 11PM. Then come join us on March 10 as we take a bus from the FOP leaving at 10AM to march in the Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Anyone who marches in the parade or attends the Friday night pary can also attend our post-parade party back at the FOP at no cost.

All of our events and details are advertised here on our Emerald Society web page. You can also follow us on our @emeraldsphilly social media feeds at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you, and I hope to see you soon.

John McLaughlin

President, Philadelphia Emerald Society

NOTE: Information and a membership enrollment form for new members is available here at the website. Current members, don't forget to update your contact info with us whenever you move, as we have no other way of finding out unless you tell us. Simply send an email to emeraldsoc@comcast.net with your new information.

If you have been payroll deduction and retire your membership will end. Simply go to the 'Membership' section of this website, print the form, fill out your new information, and follow the instructions to mail it in. Or you can visit the FOP any day of the week and see our Recording Secretary, Al Kuchler, who has all the forms necessary for continuing your membership.