Deputy Chief Michael E. Shea was born in the Bronx, where his family attended the parish church of St. Anselm on Tinton Avenue.  The family later moved to the parish of St. Margaret of Cortona in Riverdale.  His father, Jeremiah, hails from Kenmare, County Kerry.  His mother, Anne, was born in Manhattan.  Her parents emigrated from Cork.

          Michael began his career with the NYPD in July 1985. Upon his graduation from the Police Academy in December 1985, he received the Mayor's Award as class valedictorian, with the highest overall average in his class.  He was initially assigned to Neighborhood Stabilization Unit 5, performing duty primarily in the 34th and 28th Precincts.  In July 1986, he was assigned to the 34th Precinct, where he served until his promotion to Sergeant in April 1989.  He was then assigned to the 47th Precinct, and later served in the 24th Precinct from 1989 to 1996, where he was also the union delegate for the Sergeants Benevolent Association.  He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1996, and assigned to the Midtown North Precinct.  In August 1998, he was promoted to Captain.

        Having served as the Executive Officer of the 41st and 19th Precincts, in July 1999 Michael was named Commanding Officer of the 20th Precinct.  He was promoted to Deputy Inspector in April 2002.  In March 2003, he was assigned to the office of Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, where his work has included the Department's preparation for, and response to, major events, including the 2003 blackout, the 2004 Republican National Convention, the NYPD deployment to assist in relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.  In January 2004, he was designated Executive Officer of the office.  He was promoted to Inspector in April 2004 and Deputy Chief in December 2006.  He has received seven awards for Meritorious Police Duty and 21 awards for Excellent Police Duty.  He and the members of the 24th Precinct also received a Unit Citation for their efforts in 1994.  Michael was named the New York's Finest Foundation Cop of the Month for June 1991 for his part in the arrest of two individuals for a series of gunpoint robberies, including the robbery and attempted murder of an Assistant District Attorney.  He was also honored for his support of the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums in 2006, and was acknowledged by the New York Blood Center in July 2007 for his long-time participation in the NYPD Blood Donor Program.

        A proud graduate of St. Margaret's Grammar School and Cardinal Spellman High School, Michael received a Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Fordham's Graduate School of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law.  He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.  He graduated from the 179th Session of the FBI National Academy in December 1994 and from the 13th Session of Columbia University's Graduate School of Business, Police Management Institute, in December 2001.

        A member of several NYPD fraternal groups, including the Emerald Society, Holy Name Society and the Police Anchor Club, Michael is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and supports a number of charities and organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Police Officer Michael J. Buczek Little League in Washington Heights and WFUV-FM.

        Michael would like to thank the NYPD Gaelic Football Club for selecting him as Guest of Honor.  As the son and grandson of Irish immigrants and a proud member of the NYPD, it is truly an honor to be recognized by those who share his heritage.  He would also like to thank his parents and friends for all of their support throughout the years.

** FROM THE NINTH ANNUAL DINNER DANCE JOURNAL. **