MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - It was an exciting night in Meridian Township as several awards were handed out to not only hard working police officers, but civilians within the community as well.

"We want to recognize citizens too because without our citizens you can't hire enough police officers to do all the work…we need help from outside, people stepping forward and being witnesses and in some cases being more than that," said Chief of Police David Hall.

A total of 16 citizens were recognized for their good deeds.

"8 citizens will be receiving certificates of appreciation, 2 will be receiving certificates of commendation and 6 citizens will be receiving life saving awards," Chief Hall mentioned.

A Certificate of Appreciation recognizes a deserving individual or organization for a deed which is worthy of recognition but does not fall within other citizen award guidelines.

Chief Hall mentioned what a Certificate of Commendation refers to as well.

"This certificate recognizes an individual whose actions resulted in the prevention or solution of a serious crime, the apprehension of a dangerous criminal or other actions such as rendering assistance to an officer without regard for own personal safety."

Not only that, but the Police Chief also discussed what a Life-saving Certificate entails.

"This certificate recognizes an individual whose actions are responsible for saving a human life. The individuals actions prolonged another persons life to the extent that the person was released by medical authorities that the individual is eligible for this award regardless of future outcomes."

Once Chief Hall handed out all civilian awards, he began announcing the police officers who received awards as well.

"We are honoring 24 recipients in our department and the Sheriff's department," Chief Hall stated.

Those awards included Unit Citations for Professional Excellence, Citations for Life-saving and Certificate of Appreciation.

The awarded police officers stepped right up to the front of the room as they received their awards and were acknowledged for their diligence and dedication to their job.

But besides awarding citizens and law enforcement officers their well deserved certificates…Chief Hall saved an exciting award for last.

"Usually this is a secret…" Chief Hall mentioned with a grin from ear to ear.

The secret being…who is taking home the Officer of the Year award.

"It is always exciting because I tend to believe that the recipient doesn't know and I think that's the case in this situation as I pan the crowd," said Chief Hall.

Chris Domeyer, the Meridian Police Department's Property Technician ended up receiving the Officer of the Year award and Chief Hall could not have been more pleased to award Chris with his plaque.

"Modesty is one of his traits and the job isn't for everyone…it takes a certain level of expertise and organizational skills to do it well," said Chief Hall.

As property technician, Chris is responsible for many things around the department including the documentation and storage of evidence, the impound lot, order master duties and much more.

"He is exactly what we're looking for in a property technician…Chris began in May 2014 and he has not slowed down since…he has caught on very quickly and has exceeded all expectations, he is a model employee," the Police Chief mentioned.

"I was shocked…I had no idea," Domeyer said.

Chief Hall finished his thoughts saying:

"It is for these reasons that we present Chris with Officer of the Year."