In Rockville Centre, one local business has been helping people celebrate special moments for more than 50 years. Custom Awards creates trophies, medals, plaques and other custom pieces for local schools, sports teams, police and fire departments, and community groups.

The business started in the early 1970s, with the original owner making plaques out of his garage. The business is run by Brian Scott, a retired police officer who took over the business in 2013.

Scott says his background as a first responder made the business a natural fit, especially because of its long history of working with police and fire departments. From retirements and championships to special honors, each piece is made to recognize an accomplishment and give people something they can hold onto for years to come.