Lieutenant Tom Dolan of the Ramapo Police Department has been recognized with a prestigious honor from The Irish Echo, celebrating his dedication to law enforcement and his deep-rooted Irish heritage.
Dolan, a Pearl River native, comes from a proud Irish-American family with ties to both Leitrim and Cavan on his father’s side and Galway and Clare on his mother’s. His father, Lawrence, not only worked for Con Edison but also wrote for The Irish Advocate. The family maintained strong connections to Irish sports and culture, frequently visiting Gaelic Park. His mother, Mary, was particularly protective, once hesitating to let him play Gaelic football after witnessing a particularly rough match.
Growing up, Tom and his eight siblings were immersed in Irish traditions. They were all musically talented and even performed at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day in 1982 after recording their album, The Dolan Family, which featured traditional Irish and rebel tunes. The family was also actively involved in Project Children, an initiative led by retired NYPD Detective Denis Mulcahy to help children from Northern Ireland escape violence during the Troubles.
Dolan began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the NYC Housing Police. He worked in the crime-ridden neighborhoods of the South Bronx, making arrests for crack and heroin distribution. After the Housing and Transit divisions merged into the NYPD in 1995, he continued his service in some of the city’s toughest areas.
His reputation as a skilled officer grew, earning praise from colleagues like Eddie Conlon, a former NYPD officer and the Harvard-educated author of Blue Blood. Conlon, who mentioned Dolan in his bestselling book, described working with him, saying, “Tommy was like an athlete—smooth, controlled, fast. It’s hard to believe the dealers didn’t see him coming, but he was on them before they knew it.”
Dolan’s rise through the ranks saw him working in Anti-Crime and the Detective Bureau before earning promotions to Sergeant and then Lieutenant. He furthered his education, earning a degree from Ramapo College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
When Dolan joined the Ramapo Police Department, he brought a wealth of experience to Rockland County, where certain areas faced similar challenges to those he encountered in the Bronx. Today, he serves as a key member of the department’s command staff and the Countywide SWAT team.
Ramapo Police Chief Dan Hyman, who also began his career in the NYPD, praised Dolan’s leadership and contributions to the department. “Lieutenant Tom Dolan joined the Ramapo PD from the NYPD, bringing experience and a strong commitment to our community,” said Chief Hyman. “He has become an invaluable member of my command staff. We’re proud to have him serve on the Countywide SWAT team, where his leadership and expertise shine. Congratulations to Tom on this well-deserved recognition from The Irish Echo—a true honor for a deserving and valued law enforcement leader.”
Dolan resides in Rockland County with his wife, Theresa, and their three children, Jennifer, Kate, and T.J. His family’s ties to law enforcement continue, as Theresa’s father, retired Chief John Seymour, also served with distinction.
As both a seasoned officer and a proud representative of the Irish-American community, Lieutenant Tom Dolan embodies the values of dedication, service, and heritage—making him a fitting recipient of this esteemed recognition.