Thursday, April 17, 2025
Roughly two weeks before Wantagh hosts one of Long Island’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, the 2025 grand marshal, Tommy Shevlin, was honored at a special dinner.
Hosted by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Marshal Dinner at the Heritage Club in Bethpage last Tuesday night welcomed around 200 guests to celebrate Shevlin — not only as this year’s main parade honoree, but also as a community leader.
Since 2021, Shevlin, 48, has served as president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, with a focus on creating government policies that encourage officers to receive assistance and support for mental health.
Shevlin described the feeling of being grand marshal as “amazing” and a great honor, adding that being part of the celebration was special to him. He praised Wantagh as one of Long Island’s best communities and said he considers its residents like family.
“We love being police officers for them,” Shevlin said. “We love protecting and serving them, and there’s no better feeling to get honored by them.”
At last week’s dinner, guests were treated to performances from members of the Show Stompin’ Irish Dance School and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band, and sashes were presented to members of community organizations who will serve as aides to the grand marshal.
Shevlin has spent 26 years in law enforcement, serving in both the New York City and Nassau County police departments before becoming Nassau’s PBA president. Previously, he worked as a counselor in the Nassau County Police Department’s Employee Assistance Office, providing mental health support to officers.
As PBA president, he has prioritized expanding mental health resources for police. In January, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $13 million in funding for officer mental health support, crediting Shevlin for highlighting the issue and advocating for greater awareness of the challenges officers face.
Cathy McGrory Powell, the chamber’s president, said Shevlin has dedicated his career to helping fellow officers, and his passion to make positive change in the world is what made him the right choice to lead the parade.
“Tommy has chosen to handle some of the tough and not-so-easily broached topics facing our first responders,” McGrory Powell said. “We need someone to look out for those who look out for us. Tommy is the man for the job.”
Congratulating Shevlin at the dinner were several local elected officials, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Legislator John Ferretti Jr., Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider.
Now in its fifth year, the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day parade has grown into Long Island’s largest. Last year’s event drew around 75,000 people, according to county police statistics.
“The first year when we turned the corner and saw thousands of people, we knew we had something special,” McGrory Powell said. “It’s a great team effort. Everybody does a great job. It’s a lot of work and everybody loves it, and we’re so happy to do it.”
She thanked the parade’s sponsors, everyone who made the event possible, and the Wantagh community for its support.
Past grand marshals have included John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall; Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder; Michael Dunphy, owner of the Wantagh Inn; and John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children's Foundation.
Theissen, who was last year’s grand marshal, said marching through a large crowd was an incredible experience, being cheered on by a community that has supported his organization for decades. Since 1992, his nonprofit foundation has helped sick and underprivileged children through donations and fundraisers.
“It’s really an honor,” Theissen said of being named grand marshal, “and for Tommy, he does so much — not only with the police being a PBA president, but also Nassau County and the community. I’m really happy for him, and I’m looking forward to marching with him on the 16th.”
The parade will took place on Sunday, stepping off from Wantagh High School. Marchers will proceed south on Wantagh Avenue before ending at Railroad Avenue. Road closures along the route will begin at noon. Following the parade, two block parties will be held on Railroad Avenue and in the Park Avenue back lot, featuring live music, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment.
Shevlin said he’s hoping for clear skies as he marches and waves at a community that has supported him and his fellow officers.
“I’m looking forward to a sunny day,” Shevlin said, “and seeing all of the people smile, especially the kids.”
