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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) A North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper and retired sergeant were presented with awards from the North Dakota Peace Officers Association at a ceremony held in Grand Forks on August 14.

Trooper Rick Richard, stationed in Washburn, was presented with the North Dakota Peace Officer of the Year award, the highest honor the NDPOA gives each year. This award is given in recognition of outstanding service, professional dignity and unselfish personal contributions of the officer’s time and talent to the NDPOA and citizens of North Dakota.

Retired Sergeant Gary Bitz, who was stationed in Jamestown, was presented with the Lone Eagle award. It is given annually to both an active and a retired North Dakota peace officer who has contributed guidance, inspiration and support throughout their career as a law enforcement official in North Dakota.