Edward Brannigan
Edward Brannigan
Age: 65
Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey.
Where you live: Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Job Description: National Vice President & New Jersey State President of the Fraternal Order of Police. The world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers with more than 328,000 members in 44 states.
Why I chose this career: It’s hard to explain the exact reasoning for becoming a police officer. Growing up I had always wanted to be a police officer, to be on the front lines and to make a difference and helping people. When I joined the police force I had no idea that I would work my way up through the police union to become the State President and eventually elected the National Vice President.
The proudest moment of my career: I have many proud moments throughout my career including being elected National Vice President. But recently, on October 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy mixed with a nor’easter created the most devastating storm of historic proportions that New Jersey and New York has ever been hit with. The morning after the storm I headed down to the barrier islands, Long Beach Island, Beach Haven, Holgate and Sea Isle City. I helped coordinate disaster relief with the local police departments. Our officers, in the face of personal hardships showed a remarkable commitment to duty. This has to be my proudest moment in my career.
I celebrate my Irish heritage by: I celebrate my Irish heritage each and everyday. I wear it like a badge, it’s in my heart and soul. In 2004 I was the Grand Marshal of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the State of New Jersey.
Biography
Edward R. Brannigan National Vice President Ed began his involvement with the Fraternal Order of Police with Newark FOP Lodge #12, where he has been active for forty years. He served in several elected positions with Newark Lodge #12, and the New Jersey State Lodge. He began his career with the FOP when he was elected Trustee in 1984; he then held the position of Sgt-at-Arms before being elected Secretary in 1992 of Newark Lodge #12, the largest municipal police union in the State of New Jersey. In 1994, Ed was elected 1st Vice President of the New Jersey State Lodge and in 2002 he was elected to his current position as President of the Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey State Lodge. Ed has held numerous committee appointments while serving with both Newark Lodge #12 and the New Jersey State Lodge. In June of 2007, June of 2008 and again in June of 2009, Politicsnj.com named Ed to their Power List of the 100 most politically influential people in New Jersey. Ed was named # 52 on the list of New Jerseyans with clout. Ed Served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1967 to 1973. In 1969 Ed was activated during the Vietnam War and stationed with the Naval Support Activity in Da Nang, Vietnam. Ed received numerous military commendations. Upon returning from military service Ed served with the Newark, NJ Police Department for 31 years, receiving several duty awards. He is active in several Irish-American organizations, including the Essex County Emerald Society; the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Old Bridge, N.J.; the Ironbound Irish American Association, Newark, N.J.; the Knights of Columbus Counsel #4066 in Maplewood, N.J.; the New Jersey Retired Police & Fireman’s Association. In 2004, Ed was named Grand Marshal of the 69th Annual Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the State of New Jersey. In August, 2011, Ed was elected National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police representing over 328,000 law enforcement officer in 44 states. He currently resides in Old Bridge, New Jersey with his wife Maureen. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Katelyn Brannigan and Eileen Brannigan Woodruff and son in law Rick Woodruff. They are very proud grandparents of their grandsons Colin Edward Woodruff and Liam Richard Woodruff.