Correa called the officers "true professionals" who exhibited a high degree of training during the Nov. 1, 2003 shootout with Ronald Lawry, 34. Police said Lawry caused five car collisions and led police on a car chase through the streets of Wai'anae, Ma'ili and Makaha, before firing on the officers with a shotgun after he was cornered.

Two officers were injured in the incident. Lawry was shot and killed.

"Even with all that training, you need that extra something — that extra sense, that extra commitment — to do what they did," said Correa. "These people had that extra."

"They are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line."

HPD District 8 Capt. Gregory Lefcourt, who handed out the medals and certificates, described the incident.

Police responding to a stolen-car report surrounded Lawry and Rabacal directed him to surrender.

"The suspect aimed and fired two shots from his sawed-off shotgun in the direction of Rabacal and Komoda, narrowly missing them both," said Lefcourt.

Rabacal and Komoda, as well as Ah Loo returned fire. As Matsuda and Frank arrived on the scene and were providing cover, Lawry rammed a stolen white van into Rabacal's car, knocking Rabacal to the ground.

Police fired again, killing Lawry.

"The officers involved in this life-threatening situation acted with courage and sacrifice putting the welfare of the public above their own," said Lefcourt.