A Mount Vernon police sergeant is earning recognition beyond his work in law enforcement. Ronnie Williams, a longtime community advocate and youth basketball coach, has been named a semifinalist for this year’s Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year Award.

Williams has spent more than two decades serving the City of Mount Vernon and began coaching young athletes through the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Mount Vernon Police Athletic League.

The award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery, honors coaches who make a positive impact on and off the court. Each year, the Knicks and the hospital select 15 nominees. Two finalists will receive $5,000 each, and the overall Coach of the Year will be awarded $20,000 and will represent the Knicks in the Jr. NBA’s national competition.

Williams says that if he wins, the entire award will go directly back into the youth program to expand activities and resources for the Mount Vernon community.