Xaverian High School Honors Fallen NYPD Officer with Annual Memorial Run
Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge hosted the 37th annual Hoban Memorial Run on Sunday, September 15, to honor fallen NYPD Officer Christopher Hoban. The event, which marks the unofficial start of fall in the neighborhood, brought together thousands of participants for a 5K race through the streets of Bay Ridge.
Christopher Hoban, a Bay Ridge native and Xaverian alum, tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 1988 during an undercover narcotics operation in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Since then, the school has dedicated an annual run in his memory, with the exception of 2020 when the event had to go virtual due to the pandemic.
The run is not only a way to remember Hoban’s sacrifice but also serves as a fundraiser for a memorial scholarship fund established by the Xaverian police alumni. This fund provides tuition assistance to students whose parents are New York City police officers, carrying on Hoban’s legacy of service and support for the community.
A Community Comes Together to Honor a Hero
Each year, friends and family of Hoban, former classmates and colleagues, local first responders, and enthusiastic Bay Ridge residents gather for the Hoban Memorial Run. The event, affectionately known as the Hoban Run, has become a tradition in the neighborhood, symbolizing unity and remembrance.
The run, held on the third Sunday of September, has been dubbed “Hoban Sunday” by locals, signifying the start of the fall season in Bay Ridge. Families come together at Xaverian High School to kick off the race, showing their support for the fallen officer and the cause he represents.
Participants, many of whom return year after year, praise the event for its ability to keep Hoban’s memory alive while fostering a strong sense of community spirit. The run is not just a race; it is a testament to the bond shared among neighbors, classmates, and supporters of the NYPD.
Celebrating a Life of Service and Sacrifice
The Hoban Memorial Run is more than just a physical challenge; it is a celebration of Christopher Hoban’s life of service and sacrifice. The event honors his dedication to protecting the people of New York City and his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Local officials, including U.S. Rep Nicole Malliotakis, Council Member Justin Brannan, and Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, commended the event for its ongoing commitment to bettering the community. The run is a reminder of the selfless acts of bravery displayed by NYPD officers like Hoban, who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.
NYPD Assistant Chief Charles McEvoy, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, was recognized with the Police Officer Christopher Hoban Service to New York Award at the event. The award acknowledges McEvoy’s exemplary service to the city and his dedication to upholding the values of the NYPD.
As runners, spectators, and volunteers came together at Xaverian High School for the 10 a.m. kickoff, the spirit of unity and remembrance filled the air. The post-race festivities in the school’s parking lot were a time for reflection and celebration, as participants honored the memory of Officer Hoban and raised funds for a cause that continues to make a difference in the community.
In conclusion, the annual Hoban Memorial Run is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by NYPD officers like Christopher Hoban. The event brings together the Bay Ridge community in a show of solidarity and support for those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve. As participants lace up their running shoes each year, they carry with them the memory of a hero whose legacy lives on through their efforts and contributions to the memorial scholarship fund.