Sgt. Richard “Dic” Donohue to Retire from the Transit Police

Officer Critically Injured During Watertown Pursuit of 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects Had Returned to Duty Despite Physical Toll from Shooting

BOSTON — Three years after being shot and critically injured during the pursuit of the Boston Marathon bombers, MBTA Transit Police Sgt. Richard “Dic” Donohue is announcing that he will retire from the police department.

“Following my injury, I committed myself to returning to active service in the department. It took nearly two years to accomplish that goal, fighting through pain and limitations, but I had a lot of help from some amazing doctors, my family, and my fellow officers,” Sgt. Donohue said. “I did not want it to be taken from me without a fight. Unfortunately, I must now acknowledge the extent of my injuries and limitations. Physically, I cannot perform at 100 percent and must do what is right for myself, my co-workers, and my department. Therefore, I will step away from the job that I love so much.

“I am very proud to have served as an MBTA Transit Police Officer.”

Sgt. Donohue was shot in Watertown on April 19, 2013 during an active police pursuit of the brothers responsible for the Boston Marathon bombings four days earlier. His injuries were severe, including nearly fatal blood loss. Fellow police officers as well as firefighters rushed to his aid. He was taken to Mt. Auburn Hospital, where doctors were able to save his life.

“I am forever grateful to my fellow first responders and the doctors who saved my life. There are too many to list, but they each have a special place in my heart,” he said.

Sgt. Donohue has received an outpouring of support over the past three years from the public and his fellow officers.

“I want to sincerely thank every person and organization that has been there for me since April 2013,” he said. “There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the support the entire community has shown me, my family, and my fellow police officers.”

Media Credit: Drea – 13 Photography

Sgt. Donohue lives with near constant pain in his legs, despite extensive rehabilitation. The pain has made it impossible to fully discharge his duties as a police sergeant.

He refuses to be bitter about things, however.

“I am alive, and I have many plans for the future,” he said. “If I had a choice, I would continue to serve as a police officer for decades to come, but those were not the cards I was dealt.”

Sgt. Donohue, 36, will remain active in his retirement, however. He recently accepted an adjunct professorship at a local college, teaching criminal justice to the next generation of law enforcement leaders. He is also an active ambassador and board member for the American Red Cross, as his life was saved in part due to generous blood donors.

He is an active speaker at a variety of law enforcement and community functions. He is speaking at a police academy graduation later this month and will give two speeches in Chicago: an address to the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association on March 16 and a WINx Chicago talk later this year.

Sgt. Donohue lives north of Boston with his wife Kim and 3-year-old son, Richie. The Donohues are expecting a baby boy in April.

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