NORTHSTATE, Calif. — California Highway Patrol leaders hosted the 10851 awards ceremony at Benton Airpark in Redding on Nov. 6.

The event, which was sponsored by the California State Automobile Association, recognized law enforcement officers who CHP officials say have demonstrated exemplary conduct in vehicle theft investigations.

18 officers from the California Highway Patrol, Redding Police Department and Shasta County and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices received the award, which includes a pin to wear with their uniform.

CHP North Division Public Information Officer Philip Martinson told KRCR that the officers’ dedication helps limit the number of stolen vehicles in the area.

“Officers from all departments that are being honored here today have gone above and beyond to locate stolen vehicles and have made arrests associated with those stolen vehicles,” Martinson said.

CHP North Division Captain Scott Fredrick presented each officer with the award. After this lunch was served to the officers and their guests.

To qualify for the award, officers must recover 12 stolen vehicles and make six arrests over a 12-month period.

Officer Martinson said the officers’ work has contributed to a decrease in vehicle thefts in Northern California counties, detailing that the decrease was between 10 percent and 20 percent from last year to this year.