The officers are Sergeant Cheng Chi-ming and Police Constable Chiu Ying-fai, both from Patrol Sub-unit 1. In addition to the award, each of them has also received a cheque for $2,000 as a contribution to the Police Welfare Fund by the club.

A letter accompanying the award said the officers were selected for their "outstanding professionalism, resourcefulness, judgment and planning in police work".

It is the seventh consecutive year that the club has presented the annual Vocational Excellence Award to members of the local disciplined forces. For this year's presentation, the club picked TKODIV.

Presenting the award to the officers, the club's immediate past President, Mr Silva Yeung, said his club wished to honour those police officers whose work and contributions to the community seldom came under the spot light of publicity. "Indeed there are many officers in the lower strata who are working very hard and are doing a very good job without being noticed. They are the unsung heroes to whom we want to pay tribute," he noted.

As regards police work, Mr Yeung summed it up with these phrases: A Choice without Regret, A Silent Undertaking, Immense Power, A Selfless Commitment, Dedication to Duty, Protecting the Young and Old, Upholding Law and Order and Safeguarding Righteousness.

According to his nomination, SGT Cheng has received numerous compliments from senior officers with his exemplary service and good conduct throughout his career. He has performed remarkably well, up and above the requirements of the Force.

PC Chiu has been described as "a first class officer and an outstanding performer" in his Division.

SGT Cheng (left) and PC Chiu receive their awards at the Rotary Club's luncheon in a Kowloon Hotel