A pair of Litchfield Police officers were presented with merit awards on Tuesday, Sep. 17, for their roles in separate criminal arrests in July.

Police Chief Kenny Ryker presented the awards to officers Brian Maxwell and Quincy Ferguson during the city council meeting. They were presented on behalf of the American Police Hall of Fame.

On July 10, Maxwell apprehended 70-year-old Gregory Stickel of Victoria, TX, after an alleged armed robbery of Litchfield National Bank. Maxwell noticed Stickel carrying a transparent plastic bag full of cash and exhibiting suspicious behavior. Soon after, he heard the report of an armed robbery at the bank and noticed that Stickel matched the description of the suspect. Ryker called the incident an arrest of a career for an officer, and said the department has great appreciation for his efforts on that day.

Ferguson received his award for the arrests of Nathan Thrasher, 34, and Amanda Majors, 33, on July 31. Both were taken into custody on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver. Over 90 grams of suspected methamphetamine and evidence indicating delivery was recovered from a residence on North Madison Street. Ryker said Ferguson has made 27 arrests for possession or delivery of narcotics in just this calendar year.

Mayor Steve Dougherty congratulated the two officers for their awards and thanked them for their service. Both men also received a standing ovation from the guests in attendance and each of the council members.

The next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m.