More than 70 members of the Minneapolis Police Department were honored Thursday afternoon with awards for work ranging from helping Hurricane Katrina survivors to subduing armed suspects.
"Many of them risked their own lives to save other lives," Chief William McManus said.
Officer Mark Beaupre received the Medal of Honor, the department's highest recognition. Beaupre shot and killed Benjamin G. DeCoteau, 21, last January after DeCoteau fired random shots from a car window and declared he would kill a police officer.
When DeCoteau got out of the car and began shooting at Beaupre, the officer returned fire and killed DeCoteau.
"It's nice to be recognized, but I didn't take the job to get any medals," said Beaupre, a 15-year veteran who works in the Fourth Precinct.
Other officers were recognized for spearheading the Stop On Red program, reducing gang activity and saving the lives of accident victims, among other accomplishments.
"This is a risky job," Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson said. "We really value all of you every day for your hard work."
More than a dozen members of the community also received recognition for work including National Night Out and crime prevention.
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