Yan and Timoshenko were shot as they approached the dark green vehicle with plates taken from another vehicle early on July 9, 2007, in Crown Heights.
Timoshenko, who had been an NYPD officer for two years, was shot twice in the face from the passenger side. He lay in a coma and died five days later.
Yan, who approached the driver's side, was hit in the left arm and chest - but his bulletproof vest saved his life.
Two of the criminals were sentenced to life in prison for murder. A third got 15 years for weapon possession.
The Police Officer of the Year Award is given annually since 1984 to the police officer or officers who have demonstrated exceptional valor in service to the residents of New York State.
Nominations were solicited from all law enforcement executives throughout the state and were then submitted to a seven member selection committee for review.
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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