Trooper James Willochell, left, of the state police in Butler, was named the Butler Lion's Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year May 16 at the Butler Blind Association Hall. Lt. Brian Hoak, right, of the Slippery Rock Police Department received a Butler County Commissioner's Citation for Excellence. In the center is King Lion Douglas Hayes.

The Butler Lion's Club gave its 13th Annual Law Appreciation Awards to two police officers May 16 in the Butler Blind Association Hall.

Trooper James Willochell of the state police in Butler was named the Butler Lion's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and Lt. Brian Hoak of the Slippery Rock Police Department received a Butler County Commissioner's Citation for Excellence.

Scott Lowe, chairman of the Butler County Board of Commissioners, was the evening's keynote speaker. He addressed the county's response to recent increases in criminal caseloads, and his impressions of area law enforcement.

Lowe also presented the County Citation for Excellence award.

Willochell and Hoak were recommended by their respective commanders for their awards.

Willochell, who has been a state trooper for 11 years, was recommended for his consistent performance and positive attitude.

He is one of the highest rated DUI enforcement officers in Troop D. Willochell was also a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger for 21 years.

Hoak also was recommended for his performance. With 17 years of law enforcement service, he is a top performer in arrests and has a high crime clearance ratio.

Hoak is also a member of the Butler County Drug Task Force and the DUI Patrol, and served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army in Germany and California.