MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Wednesday, March 19th, the Meridian Township Police Department held their annual award ceremony.

The Police Advisory Committee reviews all of the awards that have been submitted to see if they meet the specified merits and then submit them to the Police Chief.

Meridian Township Police Chief, David Hall, handed out both citizen awards and employee awards.

"It's good recognition for the public, it's good recognition for the officers, officers involved and it just shows that they're out serving the public and would do anything for them in the line of duty," said Hall.

36 individuals with more than 60 separate award certificates were honored. Those being awarded include four citizens and thirty-two members of the police department.

The "Officer of the Year" award went to Sergeant Lana Howell for her outstanding service. Sergeant Howell has been with the department for 19 years and celebrated a surprise visit from her family.