A local firefighter and police officer were recognized as the area's best by a local public safety supply company Thursday.

Jackson firefighter Jason Mouser and Cape Girardeau police officer Joseph Hann were surprised with the award while on duty by Heartland Public Safety Supply Inc. The two men were nominated by the public on the supply company's Web site during the past year. They were chosen as the "Firefighter of the Year" and "Police Officer of the Year" because of their service in the community.

This is the first year for the awards, which will become an annual presentation, said Robert Kiefer, president and general manager of Heartland Public Safety Supply Inc.

"This is a way to recognize them for going above and beyond," Keifer said. "Most of the time those involved in public safety don't want to be recognized for their work, but they deserve to be."

As recipients of the award, both men received a gift certificate to Heartland Public Safety Supply, which is a public safety uniform and accessory store, and a plaque.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com (Kimberly Turnbough of Scott City presented Cape Girar~deau patrolman Joey Hann with the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award from Heartland Public Safety Supply on Thursday. Hann was working for the Scott City Police Department when he rescued Turnbough from a burning house in August 2005.)

Hann was nominated for rescuing Scott City resident Kimberly Turnbough from her burning house last year.

Mouser, who is a captain with the Jackson Fire Department, was nominated because of the extra work he performs for the department.

Mouser said he was surprised by the nomination and award.

"I definitely felt honored," he said. "I know there are a lot of guys I work with who are just as deserving of the award. I appreciate the honor and all the guys and administration I work with."

Kiefer said both Mouser and Hann received numerous nominations for the award.

"Both men are very humble and don't like to take credit for anything, but they deserve a pat on the back," Kiefer said.

An award for the emergency medical services provider of the year will be presented May 24.

To nominate next year's recipient of the EMS provider, firefighter or police officer of the year award, visit www.heartlandsafety.com.

The recipients must be employed or volunteer for a service or agency within the Heartland Public Safety Supply company's service counties, which include Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.