Colleen Fitzpatrick, daughter of James and Nancy Henry, was raised in Islip Terrace, New York, in Suffolk County, alongside her younger siblings, Catherine and Thomas. Her father, James, was an active member of the East Islip Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 7, and played a key role in organizing the East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year—an early influence on Colleen’s deep connection to Irish heritage and community service.
Colleen graduated from East Islip High School in 2001, where she was a member of multiple honor societies while competing in soccer, basketball, and track. She went on to attend Binghamton University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. During her college years, Colleen discovered a passion for rugby and played throughout her academic career. Her first trip to Ireland came as part of her rugby experience, when her Irish-born coach arranged for the team to compete against local clubs—an unforgettable introduction to the country and culture.
In January 2006, Colleen joined the New York City Police Department, continuing a family legacy of law enforcement that dates back to 1898, when her maternal great-great-grandfather served as a patrolman in the NYPD. Both of her grandfathers, four uncles, and several first cousins have also served in law enforcement. Honoring that legacy, Colleen was able to attain the same police shield number previously held by her uncle and maternal grandfather.
Following her graduation from the Police Academy, Colleen was assigned to the Midtown South Precinct, working in the Times Square “impact zone.” After completing impact training, she transferred to the Midtown North Precinct’s Quality of Life Team, serving the northern section of Times Square. By late 2007, she joined the Manhattan South Task Force, responding to major demonstrations, protests, and citywide commands requiring additional support. Colleen worked continuously at Zuccotti Park during the Occupy Wall Street movement and later throughout the Black Lives Matter protests.
In 2015, Colleen was promoted to Sergeant, proudly wearing her grandfather’s sergeant shield number. She was assigned to the 52nd Precinct, serving the Norwood, Bedford Park, and Kingsbridge neighborhoods of the Bronx. In 2021, she was transferred to the Human Resources Division, where she oversaw uniform reinstatements, assisted with the development and administration of promotional exams, and handled other critical administrative responsibilities. Colleen retired on February 17, 2026, after completing 20 years of dedicated service to the NYPD.
Colleen moved to Bayside, Queens, in 2009, where she met her husband, Cormac, a few months later. They married in May 2014 and relocated to Pearl River that July. Together, they are raising three daughters—Teagan, Siobhan, and Kiera.
In 2015, Colleen joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 3, and has been an active and committed member ever since, holding board positions for eight years. She served four years as Catholic Action Chair, hosting St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas celebrations at St. Zita’s Home for Women in Monsey, run by Sister Maureen Francis O’Shea. Colleen later became Historian, where she ran the Irish History Writing Contest, served on the contest committee, and authored a comprehensive history of LAOH Division 3 for the National LAOH publication 125 Years of LAOH History. She most recently served as Financial Secretary, managing dues and attendance for the Division.
Colleen’s daughters have participated in the GAA for the past three years, and this past year Colleen herself joined the Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team—a pursuit she looks forward to continuing in retirement. Being selected as Parade Commander for the 62nd Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a tremendous honor for Colleen and a meaningful reflection of her lifelong dedication to service, heritage, and community.