Holyoke parade honors LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell with JFK award
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke has named Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles chief of police, as the 2026 recipient of the esteemed John F. Kennedy National Award.
McDonnell joins prior recipients actor Bridget Moynahan (2025); Pittsburgh Steelers owner Arthur J. Rooney (1980); actor Maureen O'Hara (1982); NCAA coach Frank McGuire (1985); NASA astronaut Cady Coleman (2004); father‑son duo "Team Hoyt" (2014); professional boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (2016); and longtime Boston Celtics broadcaster Mike Gorman (2024), according to a statement.
Chief Jim McDonnell of the Los Angeles Police Department is the 2026 recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award from the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Committee. (Provided photo)The Republican
"President Kennedy challenged us to serve others and work for the common good," said Jim Wildman, parade president. "Jim McDonnell's distinguished career exemplifies those ideals. His leadership, integrity, and lifelong commitment to community make him an outstanding choice for this honor."
McDonnell is a native of Brookline and began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a graduate of the Los Angeles Police Academy.
Over nearly 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, he rose through every rank to become first assistant chief, serving as second‑in‑command. During this time, he played a significant role in advancing community‑based policing strategies that strengthened trust across Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods.
After the LAPD, McDonnell served as chief of police in Long Beach, California, where he expanded community engagement efforts and oversaw notable reductions in crime.
In 2014, he was elected the 32nd sheriff of Los Angeles County, leading the largest Sheriff's Department in the U.S., with a focus on accountability, constitutional policing, and partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, according to his bio.
In 2024, McDonnell was sworn in as the 59th chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, becoming the first person to hold senior executive leadership roles in three of Los Angeles County's largest law enforcement agencies.
Astronaut Catherine G. "Cady" Coleman, 2004 winner of the John F. Kennedy National Award, meets Savannah Taylor, 5, and Tony Taylor, of Springfield, during the parade. (Mieke Zuiderweg / The Republican, File)
"Receiving the John F. Kennedy National Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me," said McDonnell in a video message. "As a first-generation Irish American, this recognition reflects the values of service and community that my parents instilled in me. I am honored to join such a distinguished group of past recipients and grateful to the St. Patrick's Committee and the city of Holyoke for this extraordinary honor."
The 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade steps off March 22, after the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race on March 21.
The John F. Kennedy Award Dinner is March 21 at The Log Cabin. Tickets and event information are available at holyokestpatricksparade.com/events .
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