Honor for Detective Mary “May” Foley in Queens

A brave female detective known for her role in investigating a notorious murderer and aiding infamous gangster Charles “Lucky” Luciano has been celebrated in Queens.

On Saturday afternoon, family members and officials gathered in Long Island City to honor detective Mary “May” Foley, a trailblazer among the female police officers patrolling New York City in the 1920s and 1930s.

Street signs were unveiled at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 50th Avenue, a site close to Foley’s grandson, Bob Kal, along with local residents and police personnel.

Deputy Chief Raymond Porteus addressed the gathering, describing Foley as “a true pioneer and trailblazer.” He reflected, “When May first raised her right hand in her oath in 1923, she ventured into uncharted territory. At a time when few women wore badges, she not only wore one but did so with honor, determination, and grace.”

Foley began her career with the NYPD in 1923 and was part of the “Masher Team,” which aimed to protect women from unwanted attention from predatory men. Eventually, she earned a position as a detective in Queens’ murder division.

Porteus noted, “Mae had a way to safeguard herself, even with just a word, if needed. One misstep, and you might end up needing Kimura or Jiu-Jitsu moves.”

Throughout her career, she contributed to important investigations concerning Luciano and also delved into pro-Nazi organizations affecting the German American community.

Foley, who raised two children, retired from the NYPD in 1941 but continued her commitment to supporting police officers and their families, advocating for improved wages and benefits.

She left behind two daughters and a husband. Porteus concluded with a poignant reminder: “She proved that strength and compassion are not opposites; they are partners.”