Three Cornell University Police officers -- Christopher O'Hara, Robert Payne and Randy Bowman -- are the recipients of the Frank Hammer Kiwanis Officer of the Month Award for March.

The award was presented Monday, March 13, at Kendal at Ithaca.

Curtis Ostrander, director and chief of Cornell Police, nominated the three for their outstanding work in disarming a highly agitated and aggressive man who was attempting to commit suicide with a loaded shotgun near Rockefeller Hall on the night of Dec. 27, 2005.

All three officers "displayed heroism and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, which involved a known and imminent risk to their life, and they deliberately disregarded this imminent risk," Ostrander said.

Ostrander cited the officers' "timely response, securing and stabilizing the scene, and [their] command presence -- qualities that come with experience and training. The officers' actions reflect great credit upon themselves, Cornell University Police and Cornell University."

It is unusual for the monthly award to go to more than one officer, Ostrander said. Fifteen years ago, two Cornell Police officers shared one of the monthly awards, but Ostrander said this is the first time he can remember that three officers from any department received the award at the same time.