Theodore Roosevelt Association Honors Police Officer Joseph Mueller and Sergeant Micheal Patrick Donlon at the 32nd Annual Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards at Sagamore Hill
June 12, 2026
June 11, 2026 - The Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA), in partnership with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, proudly honored Police Officer Joseph Mueller of the Nassau County Police Department and Sergeant Micheal Patrick Donlon of the Suffolk County Police Department during the 32nd Annual Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards Ceremony held on June 11, 2026, at Sagamore Hill, the home of President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Theodore Roosevelt Police Award recognizes law enforcement officers who have overcome significant physical adversity while continuing to serve their communities with distinction, reflecting Theodore Roosevelt’s triumph over the debilitating illnesses of his youth and his unwavering commitment to public service. Established to commemorate Theodore Roosevelt’s distinguished tenure as President of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners from 1895 to 1897, the award also honors his lifelong admiration and support for the police profession.
Each recipient received a bronze bust of Theodore Roosevelt, the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award medal and lapel pin, as well as a charitable donation from the Theodore Roosevelt Association to the charity of their choice, ensuring that their personal stories of perseverance continue to benefit others.
The ceremony brought together law enforcement leaders, elected officials, National Park Service representatives, past recipients, family members, and members of the public to celebrate two remarkable officers whose resilience, courage, and dedication embody the enduring values of Theodore Roosevelt.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Chris Cosentino, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, followed by a presentation from the Nassau County Police Pipe and Drum Band and the Suffolk County Police Pipe and Drum Band. The Nassau County and Suffolk County Police Color Guard presented the colors, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Police Officer Nicole Thumhart of the Nassau County Police Department.
Guests also heard greetings from Jonathan Parker, Superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, and a recognition of past Theodore Roosevelt Police Award recipients. The ceremony included a moving performance of Taps by Police Officer Dominick J. Cutrone and Police Officer Brian Koch, buglers from the Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments.
Award presentations and remarks were delivered by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin T. Catalina.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association extends its sincere appreciation to Flushing Bank, whose generous sponsorship helped make this year’s ceremony possible. Through its longstanding commitment to community service and civic engagement, Flushing Bank continues to support programs that recognize the extraordinary contributions of law enforcement professionals throughout Long Island and beyond.
2026 Theodore Roosevelt Police Award Recipient
Police Officer Joseph Mueller
Nassau County Police Department
Police Officer Joseph Mueller joined the Nassau County Police Department on June 9, 2017, and has distinguished himself through service characterized by integrity, discipline, and professionalism. A United States Marine Corps veteran who served as an infantry Marine in Afghanistan, Officer Mueller currently serves in the Bureau of Special Operations and is assigned to the Precision Firearms Team.
On June 8, 2025, while on duty, Officer Mueller experienced severe chest pain and weakness and was transported to North Shore Hospital. Medical specialists determined that he had suffered an aortic aneurysm and was living with a dangerously enlarged aorta. Following unsuccessful treatment attempts, he underwent complex open-heart surgery on June 12, 2025, requiring replacement of a damaged section of his aorta with a surgical graft.
The surgery was successful, but recovery was arduous and required months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Demonstrating extraordinary determination, Officer Mueller committed himself to a rigorous recovery program and was medically cleared to return to full duty in December 2025.
On December 18, 2025, Officer Mueller returned to active service as a fully operational sniper with the Precision Firearms Team. Since his return, he has participated in numerous tactical responses and arrests, continuing to lead by example within one of the department’s most demanding specialized units.
Officer Mueller's Theodore Roosevelt Police Award donation will support the family of the late Police Officer Sean Ledwith through the Nassau County Police Department Foundation.
2026 Theodore Roosevelt Police Award Recipient
Sergeant Micheal Patrick Donlon
Suffolk County Police Department
Sergeant Micheal Patrick Donlon joined the Suffolk County Police Department on September 18, 2000, and built a distinguished 25-year career marked by leadership, service, and exceptional achievement. Throughout his career, he served in numerous specialized assignments, including the Community Support Unit, Crime Control Unit, MS-13 Gang Task Force, and Suffolk County Marine Bureau.
His outstanding record of service earned him numerous honors, including 42 Headquarters Awards, 12 Command Awards, 10 Cop of the Month Awards, the First Precinct Cop of the Year Award, the Meritorious Police Service Award, the Top Cop Award, and the Command Citation Award.
While serving with the Suffolk County Marine Bureau, Sergeant Donlon received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Despite enduring intensive treatment and significant physical challenges, he faced his illness with courage, humility, and determination. Throughout his battle, he continued to inspire his fellow officers through his leadership and professionalism.
Sergeant Donlon ultimately achieved remission and retired from the Suffolk County Police Department in January 2026, cancer-free. His legacy of service, mentorship, and dedication continues to influence all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Sergeant Donlon credits his family as his greatest source of strength throughout his journey.
Sergeant Donlon's Theodore Roosevelt Police Award donation will support the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, advancing research efforts to combat the disease he courageously overcame.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association also wish to thank Flushing Bank, the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards, for its continued partnership and support of this important program honoring courage, perseverance, and public service.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association and the Friends of Sagamore Hill congratulate both honorees and thank them for their exemplary service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting their communities.