HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Kiwanis Club of Horseheads nominated local law enforcement officers of the year on Tuesday night.  This has been a tradition for 30 years now, and each year they take nominations from the heads of area departments, and award the officers for their service.

"This is memorial month, and tomorrow is police officer's memorial day, so we take that time out to thank the people that have worked here and put their lives on the line for us," said Andy Smith, the President-elect of the Horseheads Kiwanis Club.

Officers are chosen based on their dedication and service to the community.  They were honored with a plaque and recognition from local officials.  Officers were chosen from the Elmira Heights Police Department, Horseheads Police Department, and Chemung County Sheriff's Office.

"It's been an honor to receive this award at the Sheriff's Office. I think it's great that the organizations [like] the Sheriff's Office, [and] the police departments in general give these awards. It gives us in law enforcement some goals to work towards," said Lt. Pete Ruhmel from the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, who was nominated as one of the Officers of the Year.

"I really appreciate the Kiwanis Club putting this on every year, and honoring officers and everything they do, because some days, it is in the climate today, it's tough on some days and and some people aren't our biggest fans, and it's nice to know that people in the community do care and appreciate what we do," said Officer Branden Gooshaw from the Elmira Heights Police Department, who was nominated as one of the Officers of the Year.

All three officers who were nominated could agree, they say it was special to be honored among fellow law enforcement officers.

"It feels great. I'm extremely thankful. I'm glad that I get the chance to work alongside other great police officers, and I think we have a great community," said Officer Benjamin Howe from the Horseheads Police Department, who was nominated as one of the Officers of the Year.

The Kiwanis Club of Horseheads also recognizes Firefighters of the Year at a later date.