John Hoyt stands as the National 2nd Vice President of the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), an organization representing over 373,000 members. His election to this prestigious position in August 2023 at the 66th National FOP Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, marks a significant milestone in his career dedicated to law enforcement and service. For those seeking to understand the leadership within the Fraternal Order of Police, John Hoyt embodies a deep commitment to the values and mission of the organization.
For over three decades, the Philadelphia area has been home to John Hoyt. His journey began with his attendance at La Salle University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After a brief stint in corporate America spanning two years, Hoyt answered a different calling, joining the Philadelphia Police Department in 1999. His initial assignment was in patrol within the 12th Police District in West Philadelphia. This experience quickly transformed into more than just employment for John Hoyt; it became a profound commitment to public service.
Throughout his distinguished 24-year career with the Philadelphia Police Department, John Hoyt undertook diverse assignments across the city. His extensive time in patrol encompassed roles as a Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, performing duties in both uniform and plain clothes. Notably, John Hoyt dedicated a significant portion of his career to proactive anti-crime initiatives, including serving with the Philadelphia Highway Patrol Unit, the city’s primary force against violent crime. His exemplary service in this capacity earned him numerous commendations, including the Medal of Valor, the department’s highest honor, recognizing his bravery and dedication. As a Lieutenant, John Hoyt commanded the 35th Police District’s specialized units, overseeing bike patrols, narcotics operations, and tactical officer deployments. Earlier in his career, between his roles as an Officer and Sergeant, he served as a Detective in Special Investigations in West Philadelphia. In this investigative role, John Hoyt was tasked with handling shooting investigations, commercial robbery cases, and the critical analysis of street-level robbery patterns to identify and solve crime trends.
While actively serving in demanding street assignments, John Hoyt pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph’s University. Demonstrating a continuous pursuit of professional development, he further graduated from the Harvard University Law School Trade Union Program in 2017. Currently, John Hoyt holds the rank of Captain within the Philadelphia Police Department, a testament to his leadership and expertise in law enforcement.
John Hoyt’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional duties. Mirroring the commitment shared by many in law enforcement, he volunteers as a Ski Patroller with the National Ski Patrol. In this role, he and his fellow patrollers ensure safety on the slopes by monitoring for hazards and severe weather conditions, responding to medical emergencies, administering first aid to injured skiers, providing transportation, and managing avalanche control.
His involvement with the Fraternal Order of Police began immediately upon joining the police department. John Hoyt progressively increased his engagement with Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5, consistently attending meetings and volunteering for various committees whenever possible. This dedication led to his current position on the Lodge 5 executive board, where he has served as Recording Secretary since 2016, managing the office’s responsibilities. Further showcasing his organizational skills, John Hoyt successfully coordinated and planned the 2022 National FOP Spring Board Meeting in Philadelphia and hosted a National Urban Cities Policing Committee meeting in Philadelphia in 2023. Among his FOP activities, John Hoyt is most passionate about fundraising for FOP Lodge 5’s Survivor’s Fund. This fund is crucial in providing financial aid and comprehensive support to the families of Philadelphia police officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty. The Survivor’s Fund, championed by figures like John Hoyt, ensures that these families receive the necessary resources for everyday expenses, home repairs, and any other needs, ensuring they are supported and never alone in their time of need.
