The first Emerald Society was started in 1953 by the New York Police Department. Three years later, in 1956 members of the FDNY started the first fire department Emerald Society. Today, fire and police departments, federal officers, customs, border protection officers and port authority have all created Emerald Societies that are present in most major U.S. cities such as New York, Philadelphia, DC, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.

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The ancient Celtic tradition to play bagpipes and drums at a fallen comrades funeral was brought over by the Irish to police and fire departments during the 1800's. As such, the NYPD Emerald Society started the first police pipe band in 1960, followed by the FDNY pipe band in 1962. Over 50 Emerald Societies exist in the United States today and continue to grow, promote Irish heritage and host social events for men and women involved in public safety.