WASHINGTON – The National Association of Police Organizations presented the "Citizens’ Choice Award," its top honor, to Edina Police Department Officers Michael Blood, Shelby Lane, Billie Moir, Jim Rygg and Sgt. Scott Kuyper at the "Top Cops" award ceremony on October 25^th in Washington, D.C.

"These Edina Police Officers put their lives on the line for the people of Minnesota," said U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN-3^rd), who is Co-Chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. "These police officers represent the highest form of public service. I know I speak for all the people of Minnesota in saluting their exemplary bravery and thanking them for protecting us each and every day."

Ramstad was on the host Congressional Committee for the dinner. He also hosted a lunch for the officers and their families at the U.S. Capitol prior to the event.

A Celebrity Committee consisting of John Walsh, host of television’s "America’s Most Wanted," Jimmy Smits of "NYPD Blue," Ben Vereen and other celebrities presented the awards. The event was held at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington.

The Edina officers were involved in a violent shoot-out with a bank robber in Edina last November.

Just 29 days away from retirement, Officer Blood came face to face with the bank robber, who was armed with a high-powered assault rifle. Blood was seriously and repeatedly wounded, and he remained hospitalized for months. He underwent extensive surgery and rehabilitation and is still recovering.

Officer Lane, just three months on the force, came to Blood’s rescue. Her fast action saved his life, as she applied direct pressure to slow his bleeding, called for medical help and enlisted two civilians for assistance.

The bank robber fled in his car after shooting Officer Blood repeatedly. Officer Moir raced to the scene and was injured by debris when the robber fired at his squad car and struck the spotlight. Moir returned fire. Officer Rygg and Sergeant Kuyper positioned themselves to intercept the subject. They put themselves in the line of fire and shot and killed the suspect.

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