More than two dozen Toledo Police Department employees and several citizens were recognized Wednesday morning at the annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony, and a memorial service scheduled for noon Wednesday, fall within National Police Appreciation week.

“It seems this job is getting tougher and tougher ... We try to give you the best equipment out there, but sometimes that’s not enough,” said police Chief Mike Navarre.

Community members recognized were Michael Edmonds, Christie Edmonds, and Dan Echols with a certificate of appreciation.

Sam Granata was awarded the meritorious public service award.

Letters of recognition were awarded to Sgts. Edward Mohr and Kevin Braun. Seargeant Braun and Officer Raymond Espinosa were also awarded meritorious service awards.

Sgt. Daniel Raab, Sgt. Patrick Bergman, and Officers Ward Lemke and Brian Calzone were awarded the distinguished service award.

A medal of valor award was presented to Officer George Shaughnessy.

Professional service awards were given to Officer Robert Adams, Detective Jeffery Clark, Officer Dennis Cole, Officer Byron Daniels, Officer Amy Herrick, Officer Michael Koperski, Officer John Mattimore, Officer Jeffrey Middleton, Officer Jeff Quigley, Officer Cynthia Russell, Officer Michael Skotynsky, Officer Clifford Warstler, Officer David Zielinski, Officer Kevin Bigenho, Sgt. Tyson Coates, Sgt. Paul Cunningham, Detective Jerome Elmore, Detective Shelli Kilburn, Officer Michael Marotta, Officer Timothy Meyers, Sgt. Cheryl Przybyiski, Sgt. John Rose, Officer Benigo Salazar, Lt. Jeffrey Thieman, and Officer Amy Wise. Civilian employees Rhonda Donnell, Shana Mallory, and Kathryn Wiciak were also given the award.

The civilian employee of the year award was given to Tori Baertschi; officer of the year was awarded to Detective Black Watkiss; and command officer of the year was awarded to Sgt. Daniel Raab.

First Published May 18, 2011, 3:04 p.m.