Dic's Story
Dic – Police Officer
Sergeant Richard “Dic” Donohue is a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. He began his law enforcement career in 2010 as a member of the MBTA Transit Police Department.
Dic's Education
Donohue is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and holds master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and the University of Limerick, Ireland.
Dic's Career
Prior to a career in law enforcement, Sergeant Donohue worked in the hospitality industry and served as an officer in the United States Navy.
Dic's Story
In the early morning of Friday, April 19th, 2013, Donohue, then a patrol officer, responded to back up local law enforcement officers in Watertown, Massachusetts. A gun battle ensued with two suspects who were later identified as the Boston Marathon bombers.
A bullet severed Donohue’s femoral artery, and he suffered severe blood loss on site. He was given immediate lifesaving care, prolonged CPR, and received multiple blood transfusions. Given a two percent chance to live, Donohue pulled through and began a long process of recovery.
After two months in hospitals, Donohue returned home, where he continued rehabilitation. He returned to the force after 23 months and shortly thereafter was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
For his actions in Watertown, he received the state’s highest law enforcement award, the George L. Hanna Medal of Honor, and the department’s highest award, the MBTA Transit Police Medal of Honor.
Sergeant Donohue has been recognized by over 20 law enforcement and civic organizations for his involvement following the Boston Marathon Bombing, and his role in community service.
Dic's Family Life
Family is incredibly important to Dic. He comes from a long line of relatives who have devoted their lives to service to their communities and country. Dic also has an extraordinary connection to the Boston Marathon that long pre-dates his actions following the 2013 bombings.
Dic is married to Kim, who has been instrumental in shaping his life as a police officer. Kim’s story is one of strength and dedication, making many sacrifices during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Together they have faced those trials and been able to stay positive and embrace the good in life. Dic and Kim are parents to two boys – three if you include their beagle, Waylon. They currently live outside of Boston.
Dic's Timeline
Sergeant Richard "Dic" Donohue began his law enforcement career in 2010 as a member of the MBTA Transit Police Department
- April 2010
Donohue receives commendation from Transit Police for lifesaving actions following a stabbing at an MBTA station
- January 2013
Boston Marathon Bombings
- April 15, 2013
Donohue was shot while in pursuit of two suspects, later identified as the Boston Marathon bombers. His femoral artery was severed and was given a 2% chance of survival.
- April 19, 2013
Donohue returns home, where he continued rehabilitation for 23 months before returning back to the force.
- June 2013
Donohue and Trooper Chris Dumont receive a national leadership award from American Red Cross for volunteer service
- October 2014
Donohue returns to the police force after 23 months of rehabilitation
- March 2015
Donohue is promoted to Sergeant in the MBTA police department
- May 2015
Donohue begins teaching criminal justice at the undergraduate level
- January 2016
Donohue retires from the force due to chronic pain from his event and begins teaching and speaking full-time.
- February 2016