American Legion Honors Firefighters, Police

Firefighters, Police, FBI agents and their families gathered at the in Pacific Palisades Monday for the annual "Law and Order Night," an awards ceremony that honors those who work to keep Southern Californians safe.

The awards are given out to law enforcement and first responders in the 24th district of the American Legion, which includes Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Los Feliz and Beverly Hills.

Honorees were given countless commendations, including recognition from the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California Assemblyman Mike Davis and U.S. Rep. Karen Bass.

Santa Monica Police Department Officer of the Year

Officer Lowell Watson was honored as the Santa Monica Police Department Officer of the Year. Watson attended Santa Monica High School, where he was a varsity wrestler. He went on to boot camp in 1999 and served in the Marine Corps.

Watson is active in the reserves and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. He is a member of the Honor Guard and is a field training officer with the Santa Monica Police Department. Watson has been described by colleagues as "the best in law enforcement."

"They put their lives in my hands [and] I put my life in theirs," said Watson about his colleagues, upon receiving the award.

Watson served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also stationed overseas in Mozambique when his daughter was just 5 months old.

"She's my biggest motivation," Watson said.

Santa Monica Fire Department Firefighter of the Year

Chief Carl Bjerke presented Capt. Matt Norris with the Firefighter of the Year award Monday.

Bjerke told the audience that Norris has been with the department for 10 years and has assisted tremendously with urban search and rescue calls.

"He has truly earned every bit of this recognition," Bjerke said as he presented Norris with the award.

For a full recap of the night's honorees, .