MT. VERNON – Three members of the Mt. Vernon Police Department received awards at Monday night’s City Council meeting honoring their work toward removing illegal firearms from our streets.

The Unit Citation is given to officers within a unit who have exhibited exceptional professional skill and conduct during a coordinated action and was presented Monday night to MVPD Detectives Corporal Troy Hails, Justin Osborn and Jeremy Osborn. Additionally, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Marty Keoughan and Aaron Johnson will be receiving the same award from Sheriff Bullard during a future county board meeting.

In January the Mt. Vernon Police Department noted a significant increase in the number of gunshots in the city, with three people being hit by gunfire.

The detectives conducted many hours of surveillance on known locations for the offenders, served search warrants and arrested numerous individuals believed to be involved.

During the month of January, detectives arrested nine people, located evidence related to two previous shootings, served five search warrants, and seized significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and crack cocaine while also seizing 15 illegal firearms.

Detectives also developed additional information on other offenders and charges will be filed with the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office related to the offense of delivering firearms to juveniles.

As a result of their actions the number of gunshots fell from 21 in January to three in February. These incidents, offenders and their associates remain under active investigations on state and federal charges.