The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association has presented state Rep. Kathleen McCarty, R-Waterford, with the 2023 Carroll J. Hughes Legislator of the Year Award for her work in advocating for school resource officers.

McCarty is one of four state legislators to receive the award, which is named in honor of longtime lobbyist Carroll J. Hughes. It is presented each year to lawmakers “who have worked to support initiatives and legislation important to law enforcement.”

In a statement Monday, McCarty thanked the association for honoring her and said she was proud that she and law enforcement officials were “able to work together to advocate positively on behalf of keeping school resources officers active and engaged within our Connecticut school communities.”