Canton Police Department will hold its 20th Annual Awards & Citations Ceremony Thursday, April 27, 2006 at the Summit on the Park in Canton, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony is intended to pay tribute to officers and civilians for their heroic contributions and meritorious service to law enforcement and the welfare of the community.

This year's program will include Chaplain Wayne Byrum providing the invocation and benediction, Director of Public Safety John Santomauro providing opening and closing remarks and Canton Police command staff presenting over 20 awards to members of the department. Awards to be presented include Officer of the Year, Civilian of the Year, Director's Recognition Award, Life Saving Award, and several department Citations, Certificates of Merit and Unit Commendations.

New for this year, two local high school students will perform at the ceremony. Nicole Meredith will sing the national anthem and Charlie Nahra will play taps following a moment of silence in honor of Michigan's fallen officers.

Detailed information concerning the actions and deeds of the awards recipients will be available at the ceremony.

MEDIA CONTACT: Deputy Chief Alex Wilson, 734/394-5420