Obama, Biden honor top cops

The president met Tuesday at the White House with some of the nation's top cops. (Photo Credit: Shawna Shepherd/CNN)

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Obama promised $2 billion in additional funding to help police officers keep their jobs at a ceremony honoring some of the nation's top cops in the Rose Garden on Tuesday.

Obama presented an award from the National Association of Police Organizations to a number of top cops from around the country who he said have "literally walked through fire" to help their communities.

"You've reacted quickly in crises to protect the innocent," Obama said. "You've reacted with compassion for those that were in need and you've literally walked through the fire to help your neighbors escape disaster. Now, that's what police officers do. You step into harm's way to form, officer by officer, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, the line between safety and violence, calm and chaos, home and despair."

The president said $2 billion in additional grants will be made available to help make progress towards his goal of boosting the number of police officers nationwide by 50,000. He called Vice President Joe Biden "the sheriff" and said he would make sure the money is spent as intended.

"The president and I recognize the bravery you display simply by putting on that badge every day," Biden said. "The officers honored here today have been singled out for going above and beyond the call of duty. And we commend you all."