The Irish Echo will host its 14th annual Irish Law and Order Awards this evening, January 27, in New York.
Inaugurated in 2009, the Irish Echo Law and Order awards recognize the brave women and men in law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty and work hard every day to keep our society safe. The 2023 honorees are distinguished leaders from across the law enforcement field including police officers, corrections officers, federal law enforcement officers, district attorneys and Justice Department officials.
Sign up to The Irish Echo Newsletter
Sign up today to get daily, up-to-date news and views from Irish America.
This year's honorees include Timothy Beaudette,Deputy Chief NYPD, James McCarthy, Assistant Chief NYPD, John Moynihan, Sergeant Supervisor NYPD, and Patrick Moynihan, Lieutenant NYPD. Timothy, James, John, and Patrick are cousins who have each served the New York Police Department for over 30 years.
Honorees will be commended by guest speaker, recently-elected Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents New York's 17th district. All honorees are featured in a special edition of the Irish Echo available on news stands and in our e-paper now.
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for today’s in-district inauguration ceremony. I am humbled by the support and honored to represent you! pic.twitter.com/h76kd5tkyU
"The Irish Echo has consistently gone above and beyond in their efforts to recognize law enforcement and the critical role the brave men and women in blue play in protecting our state and city," said Representative Mike Lawler. "People of Irish descent have long stood for law and order and for public safety - it is part of our collective Irish heritage. I am honored to speak at the Irish Echo's 14th Annual Law and Order Awards as we recognize those members of law enforcement that have made a significant positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers."
That view was echoed by Irish Echo editor Ray O'Hanlon: "The Irish Echo Law & Order Awards are a recognition of the long and proud tradition of America's Irish standing in line to preserve the peace and underpin justice in the daily life of the United States. It is an extraordinary legacy. Beyond this specific Irish context, the awards are a salute to the men and women in law enforcement, no matter what their family background, and no matter where in the U.S. they go about their vital duties."
Other VIP guests at the gathering will induce Deputy Consul General of Ireland Andrew Bryne, founder of the African-American Irish Diaspora Network Dennis Brownlee and the Chief of Police of Torrance, CA, Jay Hart. Torrance was the scene of a stand-off following a mass shooting in Monterey Park, CA, last week.
With heavy hearts, we gather today to remember Detective Jason Rivera and Detective Wilbert Mora… two heroes - eternally bound together.
Last year's Irish Echo awards were attended by Mayor Eric Adams and NY Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell but both had to leave early as news filtered in of the shooting of NYPD officers Wilbert Mora (27) and Jason Rivera (22). Officer Rivera passed away in the hours following the shooting, Officer Mora some days later in hospital.
As the day comes to a close, my heart aches for the Monterey Park community and Asian Americans throughout LA County and California. The mass shooting has shaken us all, and I extend my deepest condolences to all those affected. #MontereyPark#Torrance#Safety#OurJobTogetherpic.twitter.com/i3HdFYXOPX
