Officer Victor “Vic” Bocaya Receives Theodore Roosevelt Police Award
June 19, 2026
Established in 1983 to honor the 125th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s birth and his service as President of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners, the
Theodore Roosevelt Police Award recognizes law enforcement officers who continue to render outstanding and praiseworthy service despite a serious handicap, illness, or injury.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association is proud to recognize
Officer Victor “Vic” Bocaya as a recipient of the
Theodore Roosevelt Police Award at the
34th Annual Peace Awards, presented by the San Diego Police Officers Association on June 12, 2026.
“Officer Bocaya’s story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication to public service,” said TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino. “His perseverance through tremendous physical and personal challenges, coupled with his unwavering commitment to serving his community, exemplifies the spirit of the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award. The Theodore Roosevelt Association thanks Officer Bocaya for his service and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.”
A member of the San Diego Community College District Police Department since February 15, 2000, Vic was diagnosed with severe renal failure in 2024 and placed on the path toward a kidney transplant. During this difficult period, he became the victim of a brutal knife attack while walking his dogs at Fiesta Island. Despite suffering multiple stab wounds to his back, shoulder, and neck, including injuries to his lung and a wound that narrowly missed his carotid artery, Vic survived and began a long and challenging recovery.
Exactly one year later, on October 2, 2025, Vic received a lifesaving kidney donated by his sister, Pia. Following the transplant, he faced additional complications that required life support and heart surgery. Through determination, perseverance, and months of rehabilitation, Vic returned to full duty on February 20, 2026.
Officer Bocaya’s unwavering commitment to service, remarkable resilience in the face of life-threatening adversity, and steadfast dedication to his community exemplify the values of courage, perseverance, and duty that Theodore Roosevelt championed throughout his life.
Please join us in congratulating Officer Victor “Vic” Bocaya on receiving the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award.