Yes, the mayor was there but many of the retirees chose not to appear, whether because of prior commitments or disinterest. As a retiree and former award recipient, I was a little confused as to the classes of awards. There were awards given for Exceptional Merit which seemed to cover a multitude of actions. I was a little puzzled that officers who were involved in disarming suspects, involved in shootings, and other actions that formerly were covered under Exceptional Valor, received the same award