Three Honolulu Police Department patrol officers were recognized for defusing a volatile situation when a teenage boy in January pulled out a kitchen knife at Roosevelt High School, threatening school officials.

Cpl. Paul Lee, a 10-year veteran, was awarded the department’s Bronze Medal of Valor for his part in the Jan. 28 incident in which the 17-year-old boy he was trying to arrest allegedly pulled out a large kitchen knife. Lee fired twice; one shot wounded the suspect’s hand. The suspect stabbed one of the officers in his protective vest, cutting his uniform, police said.

Also responding were officers Steven Fong and Brent Furo-yama, who tried to de-escalate the situation and calm the boy, but the teen allegedly made stabbing and other threatening motions toward the officers. Fong and Furo-yama received Certificates of Merit.

Police said the shooting was justified.

The three men were among the 14 officers and civilians recognized at a ceremony Wednesday.