Interim Police chief Tarik Khatib, left, presents a Commendation Award to Officer David Ernst at the police department’s graduation ceremony Friday night at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Interim Police chief Tarik Khatib, left, presents a Commendation Award to Officer Trent McKinley at the police department’s graduation ceremony Friday night at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Two Lawrence police officers were honored Friday night for their outstanding service in the line of duty.

Officers David Ernst and Trent McKinley received Commendation Awards during the department’s graduation ceremony.

McKinley’s quick and decisive actions led to the capture of the suspect involved in a brutal stabbing near Clinton Lake in June.

“I’m very honored to receive such a thing,” he said. “We do a lot of things on the street day-to-day and you never know which one of those types of things you’re going to get a reward for.”

Ernst was honored for his vigilance while on patrol. He successfully identified the suspect involved in a July bank robbery at the KU Credit Union.

“To be able to stand up here in front of my peers and supervisors to be honored for this is truly a wonderful experience,” he said.

Both officers said they were flattered to receive the award, but that they were just doing their jobs.