Unveiling of Detective Mary ‘Mae’ Foley Way: A Tribute to the Trailblazer

A remarkable woman investigator, who pursued murderers and catalyzed the incarceration of notorious underworld figure Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano, has been eternally recognized on the avenues of Queens. Authorities and kin assembled on a Saturday afternoon for the grand disclosure of Detective Mary “Mae” Foley Way in Long Island City. This tribute was paid to a trailblazer in women policing, who patrolled the heart of New York during the 1920s and 1930s.

The dedication sign was put up at the intersection of 5th Street and 50th Avenue in tribute to Foley, under the eyes of her grandson Bob Carr, other kinfolk, local city dwellers, and law enforcement representatives. Deputy Chief Raymond Porteus, the speaker for the event, revered Foley as a ‘genuine leader and pathfinder.’

Deputy Chief Porteus shared of Foley’s bravery, ‘ Mae first pledged her commitment in 1923, venturing into absolutely unexplored domain.’ This reference paid respect to an era where only a sparse number of women had the courage to uphold the law enforcement badge. But Foley was determined to not only carry this badge but also to carry it with dignity, perseverance, and elegance.

Mae began her journey in NYPD in 1923, becoming part of the ‘Masher Squad’—a group focused on safeguarding women from unwanted harassment from men. With the passage of time, she moved up the ranks, ultimately serving as a detective investigating homicides in the Queens division.

Porteus described Foley’s unique approach, ‘Mae pioneered the art of deescalation before the term even had a place in the lexicon, and besides, she was fully capable of protecting herself.’ He further added that any assailant making a mistake might find themselves trapped in a kimura, a jiu-jitsu hold.

In the later years of her career, Foley was involved in key investigations leading to the conviction of infamous mobster Luciano. She also divulged the secrets of the pro-Nazi faction, the German American Bund. She accomplished these feats in alliance with Manhattan District Attorney Thomas Dewey, as referenced in the 2023 book titled ‘The Girls Who Fought Crime: The Untold True Story of the Country’s First Female Investigator and Her Crime Fighting Squad.’

Foley, a mother to two children, drew the curtains on her NYPD career in 1941. However, her commitment to the department didn’t end with her retirement. She devoted her post-retirement life towards supporting the police force, acting as an outspoken advocate for officers and their families.

Even after hanging up her badge, Foley remained attached to the policing world. She championed the cause of better remuneration and benefits for officers in her capacity as an advocate. Apart from her NYPD family, Foley also had a personal life, with a loving husband and two daughters.

Deputy Chief Porteus, the key figure behind the campaign to memorialize Foley, said, ‘She demonstrated that power and empathy aren’t mutually exclusive.’ Instead, Foley taught through her life that they could, and indeed should, go hand in hand. Making a lasting impact both on the streets and within the department, her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Mae Foley, a renowned figure in the NYPD, broke barriers for women in policing in a time when the profession was predominantly seen as a man’s space. Her law enforcement career, marked by significant contributions and noteworthy exploits, was ahead of its time.

Foley’s story, brought to light through the unveiling of Detective Mary ‘Mae’ Foley Way, serves as a beacon of inspiration for women. This event ratifies the tireless efforts of a fearless woman officer, cementing her legacy in the history of New York.

The narratives of Foley’s pursuits reflect an era where being a woman in the NYPD was a revolutionary feat. It pays homage to her tireless work in transforming the scene for future women officers. Her courage, determination, and grace were reflected not just in her work, but also in her advocacy for the rights of her fellow officers beyond retirement.

Retiring from active duty did not deter Foley from her dedication to improving the conditions for law enforcement officers. Her continual support and advocacy for the police have etched her as a figure of enduring admiration among her peers.

With each tale shared during Foley’s dedication ceremony, it became clear the impact she had had. Detective Mary ‘Mae’ Foley was a stalwart who refused to back away from challenges while carrying out her duty. In this sense, she was a true pioneer in opening up the field of law enforcement for women.

At the corner of 5th Street and 50th Avenue in Long Island City, a tribute now stands to a woman who significantly impacted New York’s policing scene. The legacy of Detective Mary ‘Mae’ Foley is celebrated every day by those who pass by, a testament to a fearless trailblazer whose impact is felt generations later.