Theodore Roosevelt Association Honors Detective John Moynihan with Theodore Roosevelt Police Award at Boston Police Relief Association’s 154th Annual Ball and Awards Ceremony
May 4, 2026
BOSTON, MA — On Sunday, May 3rd, the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) proudly presented the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award to Detective John Moynihan during the 2026 Boston Police Relief Association’s 154th Annual Ball and Awards Ceremony, attended by more than 300 guests. TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino along with Roosevelt descendant and TRA Member Stephen Jeffries were on hand to present the award to Detective Moynihan who received a standing ovation from the audience.
The Theodore Roosevelt Police Award recognizes law enforcement officers who have overcome a serious injury, illness, or physical challenge and nevertheless continue to provide outstanding and praiseworthy service to their department and community. The TRA established the award in 1983 to honor Theodore Roosevelt’s distinguished service as President of the Board of Police Commissioners in New York City and his lifelong admiration for the police. Detective Moynihan received a silver medal, a commendation bar, bust of Theodore Roosevelt, and a $1,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
Detective Moynihan’s career reflects the very ideals the award was created to celebrate. After serving as a U.S. Army Ranger with the 10th Mountain Division and deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he joined the Boston Police Department in 2009 and quickly earned assignments of increasing responsibility. In the Gang Unit, he helped remove more than 50 illegal firearms from Boston streets and contributed to investigations involving firearms and narcotics trafficking.
His record of courage includes his response to the 2013 manhunt following the Boston Marathon bombing, when he advanced toward active gunfire and helped render life-saving aid to critically wounded MBTA Police Officer Richard Donohue. For that bravery, he received the Boston Police Department Medal of Honor, the Schroeder Brothers Memorial Medal, and national recognition as a Top Cops Award recipient.
In 2015, Detective Moynihan was shot at point-blank range in the face while on proactive patrol and suffered severe, lasting injuries. Despite the seriousness of those injuries, he returned to duty and continued serving the public with distinction, later joining the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and eventually being promoted to Detective and assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Detective Moynihan embodies the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt through courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to public service,” said Chris Cosentino, TRA Executive Director. “His career is a powerful example of perseverance in the face of extraordinary adversity, and we are honored to recognize him with this award.”
The TRA congratulates Detective Moynihan for his heroic service, enduring strength, and continued dedication to protecting the community.
Learn more about the Theodore Roosevelt Police Program:
www.theodoreroosevelt.org/policeprogram