NEWPORT — After a hiatus of several years, police Chief Michael G. McKenna has renewed a tradition of singling officers out for honors.

On Monday, 26 officers received a total of 48 awards at a ceremony at Thompson Middle School.

“It was very dignified. It was a special occasion for the department,” said Lt. William Fitzgerald, the department’s spokesman. “The chief wanted to recognize the officers on their outstanding performance.”

One of the evening’s highest honors went to Patrolman Seth Godek, named the 2007 officer of the year. Godek, in his sixth year on the force, was credited with helping solve a robbery and a rash of break-ins as well as providing information to narcotics investigators that led to several arrests. During the year, he received five letters of commendation and made more than 135 arrests.

The last time such awards were given was in 2003, under former Chief Charles F. Golden. The ceremony was attended by award recipients, their families, fellow officers, City Manager Edward F. Lavallee and several City Council members.

“It was a packed house,” Fitzgerald said.

Medals of valor went to Patrolmen Adam Conheeney, Jason Kleinknecht, Christopher McGregor, Danny Turmel and Detective Frank Rosa. In a pair of separate incidents, the officers subdued individuals who were fighting each other and armed with knives.

2007 Meritorious awards went to Godek, Turmel, Kleinknecht and Patrolmen Kevin Cardoza and Stephen Head, Joseph Lavallee, Kevin Moreira, Anson Smith and Detective Michael Caruolo.

2006 Meritorious Awards were presented to Sergeants John Barker, Rita Barker and Kenneth Wilkinson, and Patrolmen Robert Golden, Robert Michaud, Kevin Parsonage, Robert Salter and Maurice Sellers.

Chief’s Awards were given to Sergeants John Barker and Peter Calo, and Patrolmen Kevin Cardoza, Joseph Carroll, Matthew Corcelli, Jonathan Cortes, Ryan Duffy, Daniel Dvorak, Jason Head, Stephen Head, Robert Salter, Kleinknecht, Turmel, Rosa and Godek.

Civilian awards were presented to traffic aides Terence Browning and Brian Coyne.

McKenna reinstated an awards committee last fall. According to a news announcement, “The process in the selection of recipients was intense and challenging, which took several months to complete. Hundreds of incidents were reviewed and voted on by the members. The committee also took recommendations from all employees in the department. In order for an officer to be approved for an award, the committee must have approved the commendation by a majority vote.… The committee does not have to vote for an officer of the year if no one meets the high standards.”

rsalit@projo.com