In 1771, Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Nathan Ogden was killed while attempting to execute an arrest warrant. He is the first known law enforcement officer to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community in America. Unfortunately, 120 police officers were killed while in the line of duty last year, including five from Pennsylvania.

In memory of these fallen peace officers, the Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association annually honors a police officer who distinguishes himself and his profession. This year's award recipient is Pen Argyl police officer Stephen Horvath.

This 24-year veteran, after Hurricane Sandy, was invaluable in arranging shelter for residents without power in that tiny Slate Belt borough. On his own initiative, he began personally checking in with the sick and elderly, where he discovered a man who had fallen the previous night, and who was lying on the floor, disoriented.

Sheriff Randy Miller, chairman of the Chiefs of Police Association, credited Officer Horvath for "probably saving this man's life."

The presentation has been made annually for the last 12 years. William Hillanbrand, a Northampton County Emergency Management planner and former deputy sheriff, pays for the trophy every year out of his own pocket. His father and grandfather were cops.