Becoming a Policeman a Lifelong Dream for Brother Joshua Nytch

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

From the time he was a toddler, Joshua Nytch knew what he wanted to be when he grew up: A Police Officer. Brother Nytch says he owes his career choice to his grandfather who was a policeman.

“Ever since I was two or younger, I'd dress up as a cop every day. I knew from early on that is what I wanted to do," Brother Nytch said, adding that most photos of him as a young child are taken with him in a dress-up police uniform.

For a short time while attending college, Brother Nytch thought he wanted to be a politician, and even ran for office when he was just 18 years old, until he realized that it was not a good fit for him after all. Now 42 years of age, he is a policeman in Binghamton, New York, and has worked within the division of the New York State Office of Mental Health Police since 2009.

“We literally help talk people off the ledge,” Brother Nytch explained.

Josh as a youngster dressing up as a police officer

EVER SINCE I WAS TWO OR YOUNGER, I’D DRESS UP AS A COP EVERY DAY. I KNEW FROM EARLY ON THAT IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO.

Born and raised in Binghamton, Brother Nytch said it means a lot to him to serve in the capacity of law enforcement within his hometown. And while he has seen the political climate surrounding law enforcement shift on a national level, Brother Josh said things haven’t changed much in Binghamton.

“We’re always doing different events in the community, and the support is unparalleled,” he said.

One thing Brother Nytch wishes people would better understand about the life of a first responder is the stress it can put on spouses. Josh said his wife, Christina, learned this firsthand, as his hours are unpredictable, the work can, of course, be dangerous, and the extra weight of being home on her own with a new baby was hard.

Josh and Christina are proud parents to Frank, now two years of age, who is named after Josh’s late grandfather. They are also expecting a baby girl, Adeline, in the fall.

Brother Joshua Nytch with his son, Frank

Brother Nytch credits his journey to Freemasonry to his innate curiosity and wanting to unlock some of the shared secrets of the Brotherhood. This also explains his love for learning magic tricks; he is determined to unlock the mystery behind the illusion. When asked which Freemason , past or present, he would like to have a conversation with, he said Harry Houdini without hesitation.

“I want to know how it’s done. I’m one of those guys that doesn’t like to not know things,” he said.

One of his colleagues within the police department is a Freemason, so he asked him about joining. In December of 2020, Brother Josh joined the Scottish Rite, NMJ, and is currently a member of the Valley of Binghamton. Having only witnessed the 4th degree thus far, his journey as a new member of Scottish Rite is still evolving, and he is excited to continue his path to further light.

Brother Nytch enjoys golfing and is also part of a bagpiping group, which he says is a hobby that has turned into a full-time job. Whether it’s a wedding, grocery store grand opening, or a funeral, bagpiping keeps him very busy. Most recently, he traveled to a bagpiping gig in New Hampshire, where he and members of his bagpiping band enjoyed time in the White Mountains. “Buried or married; I’ll be there,” he said.

Brother Nytch poses with fellow bagpipers in New Hampshire.

The Supreme Council, NMJ, is grateful for the work that Brother Nytch and thousands of others within our ranks do every day to keep us safe.