St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025 - Grand Marshal - Bridget Pierce, Deputy Chief, Atlantic City Police Department

Community Spotlight: Bridget Pierce, Deputy Chief of the Atlantic City Police Department

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From Miss Atlantic City to Grand Marshal: A Full-Circle Moment for Bridget Pierce

Bridget Pierce, Deputy Chief of the Atlantic City Police Department, is this year’s Grand Marshal for the Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade—an honor that brings her lifelong connection to the city and her Irish heritage full circle.

Her story is one of dedication, perseverance, and deep roots in Atlantic City. In addition to serving nearly three decades in law enforcement, Pierce holds a unique place in the city’s history—she was once crowned Miss Atlantic City. Her journey from pageant queen to Deputy Chief highlights her versatility, determination, and passion for her community.

Having spent almost her entire life in Atlantic City, Pierce grew up attending every St. Patrick’s Day parade. She and her sisters even participated in the first-ever parade on the Boardwalk, carrying a banner for the Greater Pittsburgh organization. This year’s honor as Grand Marshal makes the moment even more special, as she reflects on her journey from childhood tradition to city leadership.

Her deep ties to law enforcement run in the family. Inspired by her aunt, a retired police officer, Pierce and her sister attended the police academy together. Another sister later became a state trooper, reinforcing their family’s commitment to public service. Breaking barriers in a male-dominated field wasn’t easy, but Pierce credits her colleagues and mentors for creating an environment of mutual respect and camaraderie. Reaching the rank of Deputy Chief, she reflects, was the pinnacle of her career.

For Pierce, being part of the Atlantic City community is more than just serving as an officer—it’s about giving back to the people and places that shaped her. Growing up in the area, she forged lifelong friendships, played sports against neighboring towns, and built relationships that have supported her throughout her career. She emphasizes how interconnected Atlantic City is, where a strong sense of community makes working together more effective, especially in times of need.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to be a vibrant celebration, bringing together families, friends, and visitors on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. With special appearances rumored from the governor and even some Philadelphia Eagles players, the day promises to be a memorable one. Pierce is especially excited to have her entire family join her in the parade, adding a personal touch to the celebration. As a fun surprise, Atlantic City police officers will be sporting green hats in honor of the occasion.

Beyond the parade itself, the day serves as an opportunity to highlight the pride and generosity that define Atlantic City. Local institutions, such as the iconic Irish Pub, play a key role in keeping traditions alive and fostering community spirit. Pierce looks forward to making stops at local businesses throughout the day, greeting residents, and celebrating with friends.

As she looks toward the future, retirement is on the horizon after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. But for now, Pierce is focused on celebrating her city, her heritage, and the community she has spent a lifetime protecting. Her story is an inspiration for young girls everywhere—showing that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible.

The Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a moment to come together, celebrate, and honor the leaders who make this city great. And for Bridget Pierce, it’s a true full-circle moment—one that connects her past as Miss Atlantic City to her present as a respected leader and Grand Marshal.

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Photo Credit: Ziggy Chau