Vernon Mourning Loss of Veteran Cop Twice Hailed As A Hero

VERNON, CT — A retired Vernon police officer who was twice hailed as a life-saving hero has died.

Edward J. Moynihan Jr., "passed away peacefully" on May 6, 2024. according to his obituary from the Small and Pietras Funeral Home in Vernon.

He was 81.

Moynihan was born on July 21, 1942, and was the son of the late Edward J. and Constance R. (Houston) Moynihan. He was raised and educated in Worcester, MA, and graduated from the old South High School in 1961.

Four years later, he relocated to Connecticut and became a Vernon police officer. He was on the force for more than 30 years and retired in 1997.

He was recognized many times over for his police work, including commendations for bravery and heroism in both 1971 and 1992, when he had a hand in rescuing families from burning apartment buildings.

Moynihan was named in the Who's Who in Law Enforcement Bicentennial Edition in 1976 and awarded Honorable Mention for Officer of the Year by the Rockville Lodge of Elks in 1977.

In 1972. he was assigned to the Capital Region Crime Squad, a group of elite police officers from the capital region. He served as an undercover narcotics officer and was considered a top investigator while participating in several undercover narcotics operations as well as working on other criminal cases.

Moynihan also had a love for dogs and donations in his memory can be sent to Vernon Animal Control, 725 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066.

Calling hours and service information can be found on the funeral home website.