Knights of St. Patrick Public Safety Night
The Knights of St. Patrick are honoring Deputy Chief Tim Judd from the Branford Fire Department and Officer Craig C. Miller of the New Haven Police Department for their diligent devotion to the safety of the community they serve at the 43rd annual Public Safety Night on Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Knights of St. Patrick Grand Hall 1533 State Street, New Haven. Denise D’Amato, Administrative Assistant New Haven Fire Department Chief’s Office, is being honored with a Special Recognition Award.
History of the Knights of St. Patrick Public Safety Night
In April of 1976, John F. Walsh, newly-elected President of the Knights of St. Patrick, and club members exchanged ideas to honor the protective services of the City of New Haven. The meeting took place at the old clubhouse located at 304 Elm Street, New Haven. After some in-depth discussions, President Walsh suggested that a Public Safety Night be held. He asked Captain Donald McCarthy of the New Haven Fire Department and Lieutenant John O’Connor of the New Haven Police Department to serve as co-chairmen and to form a committee to run the event.
On June 24, 1976, the first Public Safety Night was held. A New Haven Fire Fighter and a New Haven Police Officer were recognized for their contributions to the safety of the community they served. This affair was well attended with good club membership support and by a large group of individuals from both the New Haven Police and Fire Departments.
Over the years, the honorees at Public Safety Night have been representatives not only from New Haven Police Officers and Firefighters but also from the Connecticut State Police, the FBI, and the State Judicial System. These individuals were chosen because of their diligent devotion to their duty in their particular organizations. The committee has also presented PSN Civilian Awards to individuals whose thoughtfulness and concern have helped Police Officers and Firefighters perform their duties.
In July 1980, after serving on the PSN Committee, John Flynn was selected to serve as the Police co-chairman. He and Donald McCarthy of the NHFD along with long-serving committee members continued to keep PSN a popular club event.
In 1996 both John Flynn and Donald McCarthy stepped down as Co-chairmen and were replaced by Detective Robert Brooks of the NHPD and Lieutenant David Morgan of the NHFD, along with Sergeant Joseph Weber of the Connecticut State Police. In 2002 New Haven Fire Lt’s Seamus Bohan and Brian Jooss joined Bobby Brooks as Co-Chairman when Dave Morgan and Joe Weber stepped down.
Since its inception, PSN has grown in attendance over the years and has become one of the premier special events of the Knights of St. Patrick. The future of this event appears bright through the efforts of the Chairmen, the Committee and the loyal support of those in attendance.
Tickets for the Public Safety night are $40.00 per person which include a buffet dinner and open bar. For more information or tickets contact NHFD Captain Seamus Bohan, 203-996-6748, NHFD FF Pat Cannon, 203-787-2535, or NHPD Sgt. Rich Miller, 860-681-2941.
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