EAST ST. LOUIS — A number of city police officers and St. Clair County Sheriff's Department members were honored this week for their efforts in solving high-profile crimes in recent months.

Those cases included the armed robbery of worshippers at the Ira Grove Freewill Baptist Church in East St. Louis and the rape and attempted armed robbery of a woman at the Emerson Park MetroLink station.

The City Council honored the men and women before a packed chambers consisting of many family members and friends of those being honored.

Those recognized were: Sgts. DeAngelo Franklin, Martez Hudson, and Michael Hubbard; Detectives Orlando Ward, Andre Henson and Carlos Coleman; and Patrolmen Ronald McClellan, Kendall Perry, Debra Wood, Ricky Perry.

Also, Patrolman Keith Randolph received a lifesaver award for preventing a man from jumping off the Eads Bridge. Patrolman Richard Sharp received Officer of the Month recognition. And three St. Clair County Sheriff's deputies were honored for their work on recent cases in East St. Louis: Lt. Dominic Lauko, Deputy Pat Walters and Deputy Romero Davis.

Police Chief Michael Floore said the department wanted to let the men and women who put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis know that their work does not go unnoticed.

"I know that we have some stellar men and women in law enforcement and on the East St. Louis Police Department. It was through their joint efforts, including the Greater St. Louis area Major Case Squad, and St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly, who issued the charges, that we were able to bring closure to several cases very quickly.

"And, hopefully we sent a message to others who are thinking about participating in crime in East St. Louis. We will do whatever we have to do to capture and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, Floore said.

Mayor Alvin L. Parks, Jr. said, "It's an example of what our police department can do when coupled with others who are in law enforcement. It was just outstanding, the work they did. I am extremely proud of everyone and pleased ,too, that they were recognized.

" I also thank the Major Case Squad for their help in the church robberies. Our guys stepped up. We need this and hopefully this will discourage others from committing crimes," Parks said.