Several members of the Ogdensburg Police Department who assisted the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies with the recovery of two abducted Amish girls in August, have received one of the state’s highest honor.

“Members of law enforcement put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Ritchie. “When tragedy struck this past summer and two young Amish girls went missing, members of the Ogdensburg Police Department stepped up to the plate to assist with efforts to return them safely home. Their bravery and willingness to come to the aid of their neighbors is to be commended and it is my pleasure to present them with the New York State Senate Liberty Award,” Sen. Patricia Ritchie, who presented the awards, said.

In September, law enforcement who attend a special “Community Thank You” event, hosted by Sen. Ritchie to recognize those who assisted with the search for the Amish girls, were also presented with the Liberty Award. Those honored recently were unable to attend the event.

Officers honored included the following:

Ogdensburg police Chief Richard J. Polniak Jr., Lt. Andrew D. Kennedy, Lt. Harry J. McCarthy, Sgt. Fay B. Jenks, Sgt. Michael J. Bouchard, Det. Sgt. Robert H. Wescott, Sgt. Scott Reed, Det. David M. Layng, Det. Shawn R. Shaver, Det. Daniel C. Mousaw, Ptl. Jessica B. Rivers, Ptl. Jarret B. LeClair, Ptl. Joshua T. Vine, Ptl Jason A. Streeter, Ptl. Timothy J. Murray I, Ptl. Corey J. Maxner, Ptl. Ryan H. Polniak, Ptl. Keith D. Morgan, Ptl. Justin R. Polniak.

The New York State Senate Liberty Award is one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive. Similar to the national Congressional Gold Medal, the award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievement on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.