NYPD officers who put their own lives in danger to save others -- and one who paid the ultimate sacrifice -- were honored during the "Finest of the Finest" awards ceremony Thursday afternoon.
Officer Dennis Guerra, who died after running into a burning building on Coney Island last April, was among the recipients, according to WCBS-TV.
His partner, Rosa Rodriguez, who also was injured in the fire, received a standing ovation as she accepted an award along with Guerra's family during the ceremony hosted by the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association at the Water Club.
Officer James Li and his partner, Randy Chow, were chasing a bus fare beater last year when the suspect opened fire. Li showed where he was shot in both legs just two months out of the Police Academy.
"There's an exit wound and entrance wound so I have four holes in my body," Li told the news station. "I'm still not healing too well. I have permanent nerve damage, so I have a problem running. I can’t walk long distance. I have numbness, weakness in the foot."
Li is currently on modified desk duty. Both of the officers said they are happy to be alive and to be recognized.
Officers Kenneth Healey and Joseph Meeker were victims of a hatchet attack that occured October. Healey sustained wounds to the back of his head. Officials said that he is continuing his long road to recovery and is working to come back full time.
"This is indicative of what New York City police officers do each and every day," Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said during the ceremony.
A total of 51 police officers were honored by their colleagues during the awards ceremony.
