COEUR d'ALENE - Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White began the department's annual award ceremony by saying that law enforcement is a thankless profession.

White continued his speech to those gathered on Thursday afternoon at The Coeur d'Alene Resort by saying "most cops will tell you that receiving an award is a function of timing" and all about being at the right place at the right time.

"But the fact that we are a profession of honorable men and women who selflessly serve our communities with pride and professionalism does not diminish the importance of recognizing those who act with courage and compassion on a regular basis," White said. "It's my honor to recognize a few of our members today for their outstanding performance."

Prior to the awards presentation, City Administrator Jim Hammond thanked the filled conference room for the attendance and addressed the officers in the room.

"I want to give you a special thanks," Hammond said. "Because now, more than ever, because of a few decisions and a lot of publicity from news media around the country it is harder than ever to serve in your profession. It's always been hard; you never know the risk you are taking, and I acknowledge that and I appreciate you for that."

Hammond added that White has been "a strong advocate" for his officers when working with city officials to get additional resources for the department.

"And by golly, we are trying to get you those resources in terms of people and equipment," Hammond said. "We know that you need help and we're going to do all we can to do that for you."

The ceremony's highest honors, 2014 Officer of the Year, went to Detective Pat Quick. White said Quick is assigned to the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force and is one of the youngest members of the department to ever be selected for the task force.

"Detective Quick sets a positive example for anyone who comes in contact with him," White said. "He always has a smile on his face no matter the circumstance and is always willing to help with whatever is needed without hesitation."

Natalie West, who works as a trainer and report writer, received the department's Non-Sworn Member of the Year Award. White said West is "a dedicated member" of the department and that she "demonstrates the ability to listen, assess situations, determine appropriate action, takes initiative and follows through."

"You are an asset to our community, and it is an honor to have you working for the city of Coeur d'Alene," White said.

White honored Tony Talbot with the Wally Connally Volunteer of the Year Award. Talbot joined the department as a volunteer in 2007, and White said he donated 410 hours of his personal time to police services in 2014.

"Tony is diligent, reliable, and professional in his duties," White said. "Tony's background, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm make him a prized member of our team and a great asset to the community."

Before presenting the Distinguished Unit Citation to the department's Firearms Instructor Unit, White said he wanted to share his thoughts on the training that Officer Pat Sullivan, Detective Steve Harris, Detective Nate Petersen, Detective Jared Reneau, and Officer Josh Schneider provide to the department.

"Here in a little while, I'm going to be giving awards to some individuals for bravery and heroism in the line of duty," White said. "Frankly, we don't have any injured officers this year because of gunfire because of the work these gentleman up here. It is through their hard work and diligence that the members of our police department are professional, competent, and capable with their duty weapons."

Other Coeur d'Alene Police Department members who received awards at the ceremony:

* Humanitarian Award - Officer Spencer Mortensen

* Citizen Humanitarian Award - Dr. Bradley Brososky

* Lifesaving Award - Officer Eric Johnson, Officer Jacob Nielsen, Detective Nathan Peterson, and Officer Andy Tenney.

* Medal of Valor - Officer Jordan Noble, Detective Nathan Petersen, Officer Joshua Scheider, Officer Andy Tenney, and Detective Gus Wessel.

* Police Star Award - Detective Bryan Alexander, Officer Eric Johnson, Sergeant Greg Moore, Officer Jacob Nielsen, Officer Rylee Phillips, Officer Brady Reed, Officer Mario Rios, Detective Johann Schmitz, Officer Pete Tufford, Detective Gus Wessel, and Officer Amy Winstead.