Three veteran police officers were honored for their service during an award ceremony Friday night in Downtown Lawrence.

Officer Tony Garcia received the agency’s highest award, the medal of valor, for assisting emergency responders in saving the life of a 14-year-old boy who became trapped under a tree branch in the raging waters of the Kansas River.

The 28-year veteran was among many first responders who responded June 5 to the report of the teenager who slipped and fell into the water east of the Bowersock Dam. Garcia was among those who entered the swift waters to free the youth, who almost died but was revived at the scene. “I feel like every officer on the department would’ve done the same thing, if not more than what I did,” Garcia said.

Officers Doug Payne and Hayden Fowler were honored for their roles in a Dec. 2, 2008, high-speed chase throughout Douglas County. Both officers were injured that day.

Payne was hit by the suspect, Barbara Jo Schnegelsiepen, as he tried to deploy stop sticks in the road. His actions led to the woman’s apprehension and ultimate conviction, police said. Payne, who has been on the force 18 years, is expected to return to full active duty soon, after undergoing months of surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy.

During the same incident, Fowler’s patrol car was rammed by the suspect’s vehicle. Fowler, who has spent three years on the force, helped end the chase by ramming his patrol car into the suspect’s car. He received minor injuries during the chase.

Payne earned the department’s meritorious service award and Fowler earned the commendation award.

“We’ve had three guys that have done some extraordinary work, and it was a great night for us to be able to honor them and what they were able to accomplish,” said Lawrence Police Capt. Mike Pattrick, who presented the awards on behalf of Police Chief Ron Olin, who was not able to be at the ceremony because of personal reasons.