Wounded Officer John Moynihan Honored At Boston Police Ceremony

BOSTON (CBS) -- Wounded Boston Police Officer John Moynihan, who was shot in the face during a traffic stop in Roxbury nearly a year ago, was honored at a ceremony on Saturday night.

Dorchester native and actor Mark Wahlberg presented the Hero's Award to Moynihan during the third annual Boston Police Foundation Gala at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on Summer Street.

"It's very emotional," Wahlberg told WBZ-TV's Jim Smith. "These guys go out there and I realize the sacrifice that they make every day to protect us and provide the freedoms that we have and keep our city safe, so I'm just glad that he's OK.

"He's been in my thoughts and prayers since this happened, and I'd like to thank him personally for all that he does."

Other presenters included Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and "Patriots Day" Director Peter Berg.

Earlier this week, the officer also was honored in Braintree.

Surveillance video appears to show suspect Angelo West get out of his car as officers approach without their guns drawn during the March 27, 2015 stop. West then can be seen shooting Moynihan at close range and running away before officers eventually fatally shot him.

Before the ceremony, Dick Parry of the Boston Police Foundation discussed the challenges police face while doing their job.

"When officers are out there, when they're putting their lives on the line, sometimes bad things happen and the whole city, the community and the foundation is behind those officers," he told WBZ.

Parry says Moynihan has displayed "courage and tenacity" while serving the city so bravely.

Evans said Moynihan is an inspiration.

"He's doing great. We're very thankful for what he went through that day," he says. "I was hoping he'd be back by now, but John's gone through a lot, but he's strong...I don't know how anybody can ever bounce back, but John's got good spirits and we got a great department and John does a great job."

Moynihan has received months of treatment, as he works toward his ultimate goal of rejoining the force.