The Pelham Police Department recently held an awards presentation to honor two police officers for their on-duty actions, and to honor a resident for his part in the Alabama Special Olympics Torch Run and Games.

Officers Jason Vandiver and Mike McGee became the first two members of the force to be presented the Pelham Police Department Chief’s Medallion.

Vandiver and McGee were awarded for actions that led to the apprehension of a member of an organized crime group during the attempted burglary of a bank night deposit box in Pelham. Further investigation revealed the subject belonged to a small group of criminals responsible for the theft of more than $2 million from bank deposit boxes throughout the Southeast. Both officers were openly praised by banking and FBI officials for helping disrupt the interstate crime ring.

“Both of these guys are veteran officers with a lot of experience,” Chief Tommy Thomas said. “It’s valuable to have guys like that. They take a lot of pride in what they do.

Additionally, Michael Dale Morgan was presented an award by Pelham Police employees for his involvement in the 2009 Special Olympics Torch Run and Games. Michael, a Pelham resident, and his parents were named as the Alabama Special Olympics Family of the Year. Michael served as the honorary torch runner for the Pelham to Alabaster leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run.

Thomas said the department has been involved with helping the Special Olympics for years, and it is something his force also takes much pride in.

And to be able to honor someone like Morgan, Thomas said, was purely an honor.

“I’ve watching Michael Dale grow up,” Thomas said. “We call him a goodwill ambassador. He loves the police department.”