McLean County Correctional Officer Anthony Pinz Selected to Receive 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award
June 29, 2026
BLOOMINGTON, IL — McLean County Correctional Officer Anthony Pinz has been selected to receive the distinguished 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award, recognizing law enforcement officers who continue to render outstanding and praiseworthy service despite a serious illness, injury, or disability.
The presentation was coordinated by the Theodore Roosevelt Association Indiana Chapter and was represented by Chapter President Dan Green.
Established in 1983 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's birth and his service as President of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners, the award honors officers whose courage, perseverance, and commitment to duty reflect the enduring values of Theodore Roosevelt.
Officer Pinz joined the McLean County Sheriff's Office in Bloomington, Illinois, in July 2022 and was assigned to the Corrections Bureau, where he quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and dedication to service. In early 2023, his life changed dramatically when he became critically ill and learned that his kidneys were failing, requiring immediate dialysis and placing him on the path toward a life-saving transplant.
Despite this life-altering diagnosis, Officer Pinz refused to let his condition define him. He returned to duty while undergoing regular dialysis treatments and, in the summer of 2023, successfully completed the physically demanding police academy while self-administering dialysis throughout the training. His determination and resilience were nothing short of extraordinary.
After nearly a year of continuing to work full duty while awaiting a donor, Officer Pinz received the call in August 2024 that a kidney had become available. Following a successful transplant, he returned to light duty in December 2024 and made a full recovery, returning to unrestricted duty in February 2025.
"Officer Anthony Pinz embodies Theodore Roosevelt's belief that 'the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,'" said Chris Cosentino, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. "He never allowed extraordinary personal hardship to diminish his commitment to serving others. His courage, perseverance, and unwavering dedication in the face of overwhelming adversity exemplify the very purpose of this award and serve as an inspiration to law enforcement officers across the nation."
The Theodore Roosevelt Association is proud to honor Correctional Officer Anthony Pinz as a recipient of the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award for his extraordinary service, perseverance, and indomitable will to overcome adversity.