New Haven — Two local officers from Ledyard and Norwich were recognized for their work improving community policing by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut in a ceremony Friday.

The awards celebrate work to increase collaboration between communities and the police, as well as building public trust and ties between law enforcement and citizens. This year, Ledyard Youth and School Resource Officer Rick McSwain and Norwich police Officer Christopher Chastang were honored.

Ledyard's McSwain was recognized for his work with the town's youth. According to the nomination submitted for the award, McSwain makes safety presentations and even eats lunch with students.

He's involved each year in the Ledyard Children's Day and Stuff a Cruiser events, has spoken at Ledyard Lions Club meetings and the American Legion Boys' State Leadership Program at Eastern Connecticut State University, and is a member of the new juvenile review board.

Norwich's Chastang has been involved with the Norwich department's Community Policing Unit since it was formed in 2011 and with neighborhood watch meetings. He additionally has volunteered as a Police Athletic League basketball coach, and spent off-duty hours helping instill a sense of friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship in Norwich youths. He also has organized annual National Night Out events for three years, building strong ties with local businesses and families.

“At heart, Community Policing is a philosophy that each of us, members of law enforcement and communities alike, have a stake in keeping our cities and towns safe and secure places to live,” U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said in a release announcing the awards.

The ceremony capped National Community Policing Week.