(KNZA)--Two Brown County officers have been honored for their bravery.

The Hiawatha Police Department announced in a social media post Thursday that Hiawatha Police Officer Lorenzo Mendez and Brown County Sheriff Deputy Rich Rockwell were presented with the Bronze Award for Uncommon Valor from the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police during a banquet Wednesday in Mulvane.

The post explains that in 2023 the two responded to “a very volatile
situation in Hiawatha where citizens lives were in serious danger," with the post adding that Mendez and Rockwell "placed themselves in danger and worked together to diffuse the situation," avoiding any injuries for any of the
involved "as a result of their bravery and teamwork. "

The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police annual Valor Awards Banquet recognizes the outstanding service and sacrifice of Kansas law enforcement officers during the past year.