Michael McCarthy, now retired, was the Director of Safety and Security for St. John Fisher College for 15 years. Previously, he served with the Rochester Police Department where he retired as a Police Investigator and during that time, Mike served thirteen years on the SWAT Team. Mike has instructed at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Academy and has also presented a variety of training programs to other area police and security organizations.

In May 2006, Mike presented “First Responders Role for Emotional Disturbed Persons” to the European Association of Campus Security in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was also a guest panel member for an international web seminar: “How to Respond Effectively to Troubled or Suicidal College Students: Developing Community Approaches and Strategies.” 

Michael earned his Masters degree in Human Resource Development from St. John Fisher College. Mike has published three historical novels: From Cork to the New World (2009), The Flight of the Wretched (2011) and The Children of Michigan Street (2016). 

Mike is currently the President of the Rochester Chapter of the Irish American Cultural Institute. The Institute’s mission is to promote the cultural aspects of Irish Americanism through its rich history, music, literature, cinema, dance, art and theater, both locally and nationally. Mike is proud to head up these efforts with presenting local, area, national and international talent through their programs. 
He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Colonel O’Rorke Society, as well as serving on the Advisory Board for the Irish Studies Program at St. John Fisher College. 

Mike and his wife Ann have three children, and seven grandchildren, and in their spare time they enjoy spending time with all of them, as well as kayaking and camping.

It is with great pleasure that we honor Michael McCarthy, a leader in our community, as the Grand Marshal for the 2018 TOPS St. Patrick’s Day Parade.