Ed began his involvement with the Fraternal Order of Police with Newark FOP Lodge #12, where he has been active for forty years. He served in several elected positions with Newark Lodge #12 and the New Jersey State Lodge. He began his career with the FOP when he was elected Trustee in 1984; he then held the position of Sergeant at Arms before being elected Secretary of Newark Lodge #12—the largest municipal police union in the State of New Jersey—in 1992.

In 1994, Ed was elected 1st Vice President of the New Jersey State Lodge and in 2002 he was elected to his current position as President of the Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey State Lodge. At the 60th Biennial National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ed was elected Vice President of the National Fraternal Order of Police. Ed has also held numerous committee appointments while serving with both Newark Lodge #12 and the New Jersey State Lodge.

In April of 2005, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao appointed Ed to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training. Ed also served on the Advisory Committee for Homeland Security for Governor Jon Corzine's Transition Team.

In June of 2007, June of 2008 and again in June of 2009, Politicsnj.com named Ed to their Power List of the 100 most politically influential people in New Jersey. Ed was named #52 on the list of New Jerseyans with clout, with an impact on politics and government in the Garden State.

Ed Served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1967 to 1973. In 1969 Ed was activated during the Vietnam War and was stationed with the Naval Support Activity in DaNang, Vietnam. Ed received numerous military commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 3 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation w/ Gallantry Cross & Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal.

Upon returning from military service Ed served with the Newark, NJ Police Department for 31 years, receiving several duty awards, including the FOP Medal of Valor; 5 Class B Awards, Medal of Merit; 15 Class C Awards; Excellent Police Duty Medals and 67 Command Citations.

Ed is a member of the American Legion, Post 408, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1439, and a member of the NSA DaNang Veterans Association. He is active in several Irish-American organizations, including the Essex County Emerald Society; the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Old Bridge, NJ; the Ironbound Irish American Association, Newark, NJ; the Knights of Columbus Counsel #4066 in Maplewood, NJ; and the New Jersey Retired Police & Fireman's Association.

In 2004, Ed was named Grand Marshal of the 69th Annual Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade, the oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the State of New Jersey.

He currently resides in Old Bridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Maureen. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Katelyn Brannigan and Eileen Brannigan Woodruff, and the very proud grandparents of their grandsons Colin Edward Woodruff and Liam Richard Woodruff.

Send e-mail to National Vice President Ed Brannigan.