Emerald Society????

**jbaker42j** · 18th July 08, 09:12 PM

About 6 months ago some of the Firefighters in my department decided to form the Golden Isles (where we live) Emerald Society. The logo they came up with was orange and green, and everything else was geared toward Irish as well. Anyway, there wasnt a big turnout, they only got together a few times and havent met since.

Having mostly Scottish roots, I didnt really like how everything had to be JUST Irish. Where's the love? I mean we have quite a few guys who are mostly Scottish and they feel the same way, especially our piper, Sloan.

Would it be out of line to ask them if they could maybe change the direction and name to the Celtic Society or Gaelic Society? Is this a dumb idea?

**macwilkin** · 18th July 08, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by jbaker42j

About 6 months ago some of the Firefighters in my department decided to form the Golden Isles (where we live) Emerald Society. The logo they came up with was orange and green, and everything else was geared toward Irish as well. Anyway, there wasnt a big turnout, they only got together a few times and havent met since.

Having mostly Scottish roots, I didnt really like how everything had to be JUST Irish. Where's the love? I mean we have quite a few guys who are mostly Scottish and they feel the same way, especially our piper, Sloan.

Would it be out of line to ask them if they could maybe change the direction and name to the Celtic Society or Gaelic Society? Is this a dumb idea?

I believe that Emerald societies are generally associated with police officers and firemen of Irish descent.

Why not see if there is a Scottish/Caledonian/St. Andrew's or even Celtic Society area and join it?

Regards,

Todd

**jbaker42j** · 18th July 08, 09:23 PM

I was thinking it would be nice for there to be a Firefighting Society that is associated with Irish AND Scottish. The other Scottish Firefighters and I would like to hang out with eachother and share this common bond and interest.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 19th July 08, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by jbaker42j

I was thinking it would be nice for there to be a Firefighting Society that is associated with Irish AND Scottish. The other Scottish Firefighters and I would like to hang out with each other and share this common bond and interest.

I'd suggest that you contact:

The Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service
Lauriston Place
Edinburgh, EH3 9DE
email: enquiries@lbfire.org.uk

or the Museum of Fire (same address)
email: csq@lbfire.org.uk

and see if you can't "twin" with them.

After all, Edinburgh formed the first municipal fire brigade in Europe and that's definitely Scottish!

As far as "Emerald Societies" go, when I was in law enforcement I found them to way over the top in pushing an "Irish only" agenda. Maybe things have changed but, from what I gather you are saying, that doesn't appear to be the case.

Anyhow, good luck with Edinburgh!

Scott

**auld argonian** · 19th July 08, 09:42 AM

That is a strange thing. There is an Emerald Society of the Chicago Police Department:

http://www.copsinkilts.com/

...if you explore the website, you'll find a roster of the band. Bear in mind that in these parts everybody has some kind of Irish connection but I don't know if they make it a prerequisite that you have Irish ties for membership...

The Chicago Fire Department has its own pipe band though I can't find a direct web link to a page about them.

One can only assume that the Emerald Societies began as rather, you should excuse the expression, clannish groups but one would think that there would be no need for that these days and that they'd be a little more all inclusive.

Best

AA

"I'd never want to belong to a club that would have me as a member." - Groucho Marx

**jbaker42j** · 20th July 08, 06:37 AM

Thanks Scott. Always a help as usual. I really enjoyed reserching the Scottish Fire Brigades. I will have to contact them soon. I feel ya about the "Irish Only" agenda, I dont understand why it couldnt be both.

Also checked out the Chicago page, AA. I'm familar with alot of these Emerald Societys like this. The D.C, Indianapolis, and FDNY FF Emeralds are pretty cool as well. If you talk to those guys, alot of em have Scottish decent as well. One of my brother FF's is trying to teach me the pipes and well just have to start up our own.

**jbaker42j** · 20th July 08, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

I believe that Emerald societies are generally associated with police officers and firemen of Irish descent.

Why not see if there is a Scottish/Caledonian/St. Andrew's or even Celtic Society area and join it?

Regards,

Todd

I cant find one in my local area but im sure there has to be one in Savannah or Jacksonville......Im smack dab in the middle.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 20th July 08, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by jbaker42j

I cant find one in my local area but im sure there has to be one in Savannah or Jacksonville......Im smack dab in the middle.

Of course, you could always join (or start!) the local branch of the Clan MacMillan Society...

**macwilkin** · 20th July 08, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by jbaker42j

I cant find one in my local area but im sure there has to be one in Savannah or Jacksonville......Im smack dab in the middle.

I know there is a Scottish society in JAX, as one of our former clan society presidents was an active member. Given Savannah's history, I would bet there is one there as well.

T.