Moulton Announces Honorees for the 9th Annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award

SALEM, MA – Congressman Seth Moulton has selected five honorees for the 9th annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award. Created in 2016 by Congressman Moulton, the award recognizes the public service and community contributions of constituents across Massachusetts’ 6th District.

These five members of the district demonstrate the integrity, compassion, and commitment to community that were characterized by the Congressman’s late mentor, Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes.

The late Reverend Professor Gomes was a Christian minister who served for nearly 40 years in Harvard University’s Memorial Church, a space built to honor Harvard’s public servants who died in WWI. As a preacher, a teacher, and a leader, he influenced many with his wit and wisdom, and, above all, with his commitment to service. It was Reverend Professor Gomes who inspired Rep. Moulton to serve in the Marines, and later, to run for Congress.

The award honors those who demonstrate a similar level of commitment to service and community.

All five honorees will be recognized at a public ceremony on Tuesday, October 3, in Peabody. The 2024 Peter J. Gomes Service Award winner will be announced by Congressman Moulton at the event. 

The 2024 honorees are:

Steve Becroft - Salem

Steve Becroft is from Salem and volunteers with Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) to ensure access to justice and support for victims of domestic violence. He regularly takes shifts on HAWC’s emergency hotline and volunteers 2-3 times a week in multiple courts to help survivors apply for abuse prevention orders. Steve also engages in safety planning with survivors so they can make informed decisions about their safety and wellbeing, and he conducts outreach calls after they obtain prevention orders to provide continued support and resources. 

Phil Crawford - Lynnfield 

Phil Crawford is from Lynnfield and works in substance abuse prevention. He founded A Healthy Lynnfield, a community organization that works to prevent substance misuse and provides treatment and resources for those suffering from substance abuse disorder and mental health challenges. Larry convened a community forum for Lynnfield to address the escalating opioid epidemic, and he worked with the State House to secure $50,000 in funding to support Lynnfield’s fight against substance abuse over the last 5 years.

Amanda Gonzales - Salem 

Amanda Gonzalez is from Salem and coordinates a yearly holiday gift drive for Plummer Youth Promise’s forty-five foster care children. She coordinates gift requests through a community Facebook page with over 500 members, ensuring that each recipient receives both a thoughtful gift and essential hygiene products to last several months. Amanda manages the entire drive from her own home, where she organizes and wraps gifts with the help of her family.

Sue Hines - Newburyport 

Sue Hines is from Newburyport. She lost her son, 1st Lt. Derek Hines, while he was serving in Afghanistan in 2005. She has channeled her grief and energy into advocating for soldiers and their families by raising money through the 1st Lt. Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund. Sue has also spearheaded the “Couch to 5K” road race program for thirteen years, and she dedicates her time to training and motivating those who don’t consider themselves runners to complete the race.

Larry O’Keefe - Danvers 

Larry O’Keefe is from Danvers and works in disability advocacy. He has been organizing Special Olympics events for over twenty-five years, providing access and equipment to athletes in the area. Larry also regularly organizes cycling events to raise money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and Alzheimer’s Disease, and he hosts an annual charity golf tournament. He actively assists kids in the community with golf, powerlifting, hockey, basketball, and flag football. 

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For more information about the award ceremony on October 1st or if you are interested in attending, please reach out to Claudia.Runk@mail.house.gov.