As broken boards from the afternoon’s taekwondo performance lay hidden against the bleachers and students with wrists adorned in Jamaican-themed bracelets piled out of the South Gym, one last performer dazzled the crowd. A familiar figure appeared from the shadows of the 2024 Diversity Day, with none other than his prized possession: his bagpipes. With a single breath, Officer Thomas Tully caused heads to turn from all over the gym. Mesmerized by Tully’s talent, students watched silently and listened. Senior Katie Fitzhugh said, “Everyone was truly in shock that Officer Tully was capable of such talent. I’ll never forget that Diversity Day.”
By day, he protects the students and faculty of NVOT. By night, Tully reveals his secret identity as a bagpiper with an artistic background. He is more than just a figure of authority at NVOT, which leads us to wonder: What else do we not know about Tully?
After dedicating 25 years to the Wyckoff Police Department, he wasn’t ready to retire just yet. Tully wanted to continue working, so he decided to take a job as a high school police officer. Since November of 2019, Tully has been working here at NVOT. Throughout these past few years, students love to see his smiling face in the morning. Committed to fostering a safe learning environment, Tully ensures the security of both students and staff here at NVOT. He said, “Everybody here is very friendly and great to talk to.”
Tully is able to contribute to the lives of students here at school through the significant impact he leaves on everyone he interacts with. Senior Samantha Weyer explains how kind-hearted Tully is and how he is always willing to help, saying, “He takes an extra interest in our art class with Mrs. Gollub, and always offers his help with our projects.”
One unexpected side of Tully stems from his college years when he studied visual arts, bringing an artistic background and expertise to the classroom. His unique array of talents help support both students and staff in ways that exceed the duties of a cop. Art teacher Mrs. Gollub explains how great he is with students and often “gives them plenty of art advice during [her] classes.”
Students have even got to witness Tully’s passion and talent in person at NVOT’s Diversity Day Fair last year. Fitzhugh decided to share her Scottish heritage at the fair with a group of friends. With both cultures sharing Celtic roots, Tully’s Irish roots made him take a special interest in her booth. The two connected greatly over their shared traditions and customs, and even though Tully himself may not be Scottish, “It was really cool to hear more about Scotland’s traditions from Officer Tully,” Fitzhugh said.
His love for the Irish instrument allows him to express his heritage in an exciting way. Even with the challenges of playing such a difficult instrument, Tully does not let it affect his passion. He says, “It’s not easy and I have been told this is the most difficult instrument to learn and play. It’s not easy, but it’s very unique.”
First learning to play in 1999, Tully became involved with the instrument after his friend convinced him to give it a try, saying, “There’s only 9 notes! An idiot can do that.” This comment fueled him and sparked inspiration to give this melodic instrument a shot. Since then, Tully’s love for the bagpipes manifests in many ways. Playing the bagpipes truly inspired Tully–so much so that he joined a band and fell in love with the instrument. He is a respected member of a police band in New York called the Rockland County Police Emerald Society, where all members must either be police officers themselves or have relatives in law enforcement. The band has been able to showcase their skills at various events, including the Pearl River Parade.
Tully has not let his career as a cop hinder his many passions. While many would struggle with juggling so many different hobbies, Tully is committed to making the most out of his time. “Hours are set in stone and I’m not rotating shifts like I used to be as a police officer. I get out of work at 3:00, so I have plenty of time for other interests like band practice,” said Tully.
As Tully continues to make NVOT a better place, the balance of his many hobbies, interests, and his career do not limit him. Adding to his hidden art skills, Tully is “currently learning the pin whistle, another Irish instrument.” Behind his badge, there is always something new to know about Tully.