JEFFERSON CITY • Former Rock Hill police Officer Matt Crosby and St. Louis Officer Joseph Haman humbly held plaques and posed for pictures from their wheelchairs this week during a ceremony at the attorney general's office.

They were among seven local officers to receive the first Justice Awards from Attorney General Chris Koster, in what he plans to be a yearly event.

Koster reflected upon his annual appearances during a fallen officer memorial service behind the capital building, where the names of dead officers are etched on a memorial.

"When I see men like Joe and Matt, I think about the incredible sacrifice they have made," Koster said. "In a lot of ways, their names deserve the same recognition, because what they've gone through will be with them forever, and it's important that we remember them."

Crosby and his partner, Lt. Jorden Lewis, were responding to a domestic violence call in April. When they confronted the suspect, George Jones, 36, he opened fire on the officers inside the stairwell of his apartment complex, officials said. Crosby and Lewis returned fire, striking Jones twice. He was charged in the attack. Crosby was shot and paralyzed from his waist down.

Crosby, Lewis and Brentwood Officers Nick Lang and Craig Eisenbeis were honored for "exhibiting heroism under fire by taking a wanted felon into custody," that night, Koster said.

Haman and his partner, Officer Kyle Chandler, were recognized Thursday for making 114 arrests resulting in 121 felony charges in 2009. Both officers were named the city's Officers of the Year for the same accomplishments. Chandler and Haman are assigned to the 5th District, which patrols neighborhoods in north St. Louis, including JeffVanderLou and Fairground Park.

Haman was shot seven times on May 27, when Arvon L. Brown, 24, opened fire on him at a gas station near Natural Bridge Avenue and Grand Boulevard, officials said. Brown faces charges.

Haman said he has undergone 10 surgeries since the shooting, which have included repairing a perforated intestine as well as his right leg and left arm. He said he's unsure whether he faces more operations.

He went home from the hospital in July, but doctors were concerned about weaknesses in his healing bones so physical therapy has not progressed as quickly as Haman would have liked.

He appeared at Thursday's ceremony at the Supreme Court building dressed in a suit. About five weeks ago, braces on his leg and arm came off.

Haman said he began outpatient physical therapy this week — with plans to go about three times a week.

"The doctors say I'm doing better, but I want to be up and jumping and running around," he said after the ceremony, adding that he does get around with the help of a walker at home.

Haman and Crosby shook hands after the ceremony. Crosby is continuing outpatient therapy and said his goal is to walk again, too.

Koster created five categories in addition to law enforcement category for the Justice Award. He said he received about 100 nominations. Other recipients include:

• Consumer and Senior Protection: The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Missouri & Southern Illinois, for fighting against fraud and protecting consumer rights.

• Preventing Crimes Against Children: Glendale police Lt. Joe Laramie, who created Missouri's regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Its work is credited for increasing arrests for Internet crimes against children from 26 in 2006 to 273 in 2009.

• Crime Prevention: The Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, for supporting youths and families affected by criminal behavior.

• Environmental Protection: Terry Spence, a northern Missouri farmer who advised the expert panel guiding the Premium Standard Farms settlement implementation.

• Domestic Violence Prevention: Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Teresa Hensley, who has established protocols for investigation and policies for prosecution of domestic violence cases.