New Haven — The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut recognized a City of Groton police officer and a Norwich lieutenant Wednesday for their work in community policing.

Awards were given to 29 law enforcement officers and community members from across the state, according to a release.

Officer Patricia Lieteau is a New London High School graduate who retired as a sergeant with the New London Police Department before coming to the City of Groton Police Department. She was noted for her roles as "mediator, confidant and a trusted voice of reason" and her work with the department's police cadet initiative to engage local youth, going as far as to personally purchase radios for the cadets so they could facilitate parking at the City of Groton Day event.

Lt. John Perry is a 15-year member of the Norwich Police Department, and has led the department's community policing unit since 2016. He was recognized for working closely with community organizations, faith groups and area businesses to learn about the issues they face and to sponsor successful community events. He received the Robertsine Duncan Youth Council Community Service Award in May from the Norwich Branch NAACP, and he volunteers as a basketball and soccer coach.