Police officers honored during South Lake Tahoe ceremony

Rain may have moved the ceremony indoors, but spirits weren't dampened as the South Lake Tahoe Police Department honored some of their own on Thursday in honor of National Peace Officer's Memorial Day.

"We are normal people who are asked to do extraordinary tasks," SLT Police Chief Brian Uhler told the audience of the officer's families, friends, City Council, city staff, community members and other area law enforcement including the El Dorado County Sheriff, CHP and the FBI.

"Our City Council and our community are so proud of you," Chief Brian Uhler told the members of the police department who were at the ceremony.

Sergeants Shannon Norrgard and Shannon Laney were honored for helping to save the life of Brad Steele who came to South Lake Tahoe for today's ceremony from his home in Green Valley, AZ. Steele was driving near the intersection of Lake Tahoe Blvd and Pioneer Trail on July 31, 2014 when he started having heart issues. Former SLT Police officer Ted Christenson was on his way to Hot August Nights when he saw Steele in his car in distress. He jumped into the car and started performing CPR. Norrgard and Laney were on the scene before paramedics and their quick response increased Steele's chance to live by 70% according to medical personal. "I thank you, my wife thanks you," Steele told Norrgard, Laney and Christenson.

Officers Cory Wilson and Chris Webber received the MADD Award, given by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Webber made 40 DUI arrests in 2014 while Wilson had 29.

Officer Ross Molesworth received the Tahoe Douglas Rotary Community Hero Award for his service with youth in the community.

Dispatcher Jillian Broadfoot and Officer Barry Rider both received the Distinguished Service Award.

Officer Brian Hannink received the Community Service Award for his work with youth.

Fourteen law enforcement personnel lost their lives in California in 2014, the highest number in the country and the most since 2006. Each name was read off during the ceremony.