MPD honors officer and civilian heroes at Annual Merit Awards ceremony

The Milwaukee Police Department honored heroes Wednesday night, at their Annual Merit Awards ceremony. The ceremony honors those officers and citizens who have put their lives on the line in the last year.

27 officers received merit awards Wednesday night, and the stories ranged from daring rescues to high-risk arrests. Other heroes just stepped in to help, until police arrived.

"Each and every one of them should be proud of themselves. Their families should be proud of them, and the city of Milwaukee should be proud to have such fine people protecting them day and night," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

More than 60 stories were told at Wednesday night's ceremony, during which over 100 people were honored. Each got an award from Chief Flynn and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.