HEUVELTON -- One month after the kidnapping of two young Amish girls, nearly 200 people showed up at a special “thank you” event to recognize those who helped in the successful search for the girls.

Earlier, on Thursday, Stephen M. Howells II, 39, and Nicole F. Vaisey, 25, both of Hermon, were charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit children and sexual exploitation of children in U.S. District Court in Syracuse. The pair had already been charged by St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies with kidnapping the two young Amish girls in August.

Friday, law enforcement officials, emergency responders, businesses, volunteer organizations, members of the media and local residents were honored for their efforts by Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, at the Heuvelton Fire Hall.

“When tragedy struck, the members of our community stepped up to the plate to support the Miller family and their two young girls,” said Ritchie.

“There were law enforcement and emergency responders who put in long hours, ordinary citizens who aided in the search effort, community members who donated food and drink, members of the media who brought much-needed attention to the ordeal and put pressure on the kidnappers as well as so many more people who simply said a prayer for the safe return of the girls

Law enforcement officials in attendance were presented with the New York State Senate Liberty Award, one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive. Similar to the national Congressional Gold Medal, the award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievement on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

Ritchie also honored members of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department with a special plaque in recognition of their work to help with the search and also for their help in hosting Friday’s event.

“The generosity and willingness to help demonstrated by our community was truly inspiring and makes me so proud to call this region ‘home.’ Tonight’s event was just a small way to say thank you to the hundreds of people who had a hand in the outpouring of support for the Miller family.”

Last month, deputies said the girls were lured by the Howells, who used a dog to get them close to his vehicle and then forcefully pushed them inside. The girls were tending a vegetable stand at their home.

Howells and Vaisey released the girls after seeing reports of the missing girls on new media.

The sisters were  dropped off in a residential area in Richville and fled to a nearby home. A Richville man then brought the girls home, according to the sheriff’s office.