Boardman Township officials say it's more important now than ever before to recognize its local police officers who they say are doing outstanding work in their community.

An appreciation ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon at Boardman Township park, officiated by police chief Todd Werth.
While trustees say the Police Department does good work on a daily basis, their jobs have been particularly challenging and complicated during the COVID pandemic.

"In every workplace I believe it's the right thing to do to recognize hard work. It's their job and they know it and they won't seek this congratulations but it's our job to recognize a job well done," said trustee Brad Calhoun.

Officers received awards for their medical response, response to attempted suicides, dispatching and for software upgrades.