Westchester County?s finest were awarded Thursday at the 18th Annual Police Memorial Service and Honor Awards at the County Center in White Plains.

Those recognized for exceptional performance included seven Yonkers police officers who were praised for their work in potentially solving the murder of Dr. Leandro Lozada in January. The 46-year-old physician was found shot to death in his home in January. Two men have now been arrested and charged with the crime.

The names of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty were read aloud at the ceremony in remembrance.

At a time when Westchester County police officers were being recognized for sacrifice and bravery, some say the possible involvement of three Mt. Kisco officers in the death of Guatemalan immigrant Rene Perez cast a shadow over the event.

Perez was found fatally injured on the side of the road in Bedford in April. The officers are believed to be the last to see Perez before he died.