The recipients of the 2010 National Association of Police Organizations' TOP COPS awards were honored today in the Rose Garden of the White House during the lead-up to National Police Week.
Thirty law enforcement officers from across the country were presented with the awards.
NAPO launched the program in 1994 to pay tribute to officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The awardees were nominated by fellow officers for service during the previous year.
"It's a genuine honor to be in the presence of the best of the best," Vice President Joe Biden said during the ceremony. "You each are an inspiration -- an inspiration to not only your fellow law enforcement officers, but to the whole country."
President Barack Obama showed his appreciation for the risks the officers take every day while performing their jobs.
"We're grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make, and my administration is committed to making sure that you get what you need," he said.
The president highlighted the actions of a number of the recipients and praised both their courage and humbleness.
"It’s kind of like the Heisman Trophy presentation for law enforcement. But I just spent a little time with these men and women inside, and I can tell you with certainty, they carry themselves with such humility," he said. "They'll be the first to say that they've been trained to do it. Some of them will argue they're not heroes. . . . It's one thing to talk about courage; it's another thing to respond swiftly, decisively, heroically, with little regard for yourself and complete regard for your fellow man."
