Lewis and Clark County Deputy Dennis Nyland and Helena Police Officer Brett Petty were honored Thursday as the Helena Family Violence Council's Peace Officers of the Year at a ceremony in the Montana Supreme Court Chambers.

The council -- a coalition of agencies and individuals in the Helena area who are concerned about preventing family violence -- has sponsored the award for the past six years. The award is given to law enforcement officers to recognize their exemplary service to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

"It takes special people with special skills and abilities to respond appropriately to these kinds of situations," said Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath prior to presenting the law enforcement officers with their awards.

He added that incidents of domestic violence continue to plague Montana communities, and officers such as Nyland and Petty provide the first line of defense for victims across the state.

Helena Police Chief Troy McGee said Thursday that the recognition of Petty is well-deserved.

"He works well with victims and other members of the public," McGee said of the three-year employee of the HPD who is currently assigned as a school resource officer. "Recently he's taken an interest in this area and has worked closely with (the detective assigned to investigate domestic and sexual violence)."

On Petty's nomination application, he was described as an officer whose "professionalism extends beyond handling the initial (domestic violence) call." Petty is known for developing strong cases against abusers, thus minimizing the traumatic effects of testifying at trial on victims.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Cheryl Liedle mirrored McGee's positive comments about Petty in regard to Nyland, who has worked at the sheriff's office for six years.

She said Nyland coordinates the area's crisis intervention team -- a team dedicated to assisting people in mental health crisis -- and recently volunteered to serve as the department's liaison with community groups offering assistance to victims of domestic violence.

"He has a lot of compassion and empathy," Liedle said. "We feel he truly embodies the values of caring and strength that are very important virtues in our agency."

On his nomination application, Nyland was described as an officer with "a gentle spirit and honest communication style."

Nyland and Petty said they were honored by the recognition of their efforts, but both said they aren't alone in the effort to assist the victims of domestic violence.

"It's definitely a team effort," said Petty.

Last year's recipient of the award was Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Deputy Brett Friede.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Peace Officer of the Year Award ceremony has become a standard part of the month's schedule of events.