CUMMING — Two investigators with the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office were recently honored by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia as a result of their efforts during the June 6 attack on the local courthouse.

Andy Kalin and Britt Massey were presented with the 2014 DA Investigator of the Year Award during the summer conference of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.

Kalin and Massey were nominated for the award by Forsyth County District Attorney Penny Penn and John Bennett, chief investigator for the office.

In a statement, Penn acknowledged that it was “unique to nominate two individuals” for the recognition. “But we believed it was appropriate due to their equally heroic actions taken on the morning of June 6.”

Kalin and Massey were in the local district attorney’s office, which is on the second floor of the county courthouse, when they were alerted to an armed assault at the front steps.

Kalin and Massey first told their co-workers about what was happening and telling them to stay put. They then ran downstairs, armed with only their service weapons, directing two other people to seek cover.

“Their swift response to protect others by warning of the potential danger and advising people to stay put most assuredly would have saved lives if the gunman had breached the interior of the courthouse,” Bennett said.

Once outside, Kalin and Massey were among the first officers to reach and assist Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Rush, who had been shot in the leg defending the courthouse.

In the line of fire and exposed to the gunman, later identified as Dennis Ronald Marx, the investigators carried Rush off to the side. Marx was ultimately shot and killed by other law enforcement officers who arrived soon after.

Those who served on the award selection committee praised both Kalin and Massey for their heroic efforts.

“On this day two very dedicated investigators, two very mature and experienced peace officers with the DA’s office, didn’t run the other way,” said Fred Bright, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. “.. They took immediate action without regard for their own safety.”

Charles A. Spahos, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council, said Kalin and Massey’s willingness to put themselves in harm’s way is a “reflection of their dedication both to their profession and to the people of Forsyth County.”

Massey has spent more than 20 years in law enforcement, while Kalin is a 30-year veteran.

Kalin spent most of his career with the police department in Boynton Beach, Fla. He has been with the local district attorney’s office since 2008.

Massey, who previously worked for the district attorney and sheriff’s offices in Cherokee County, joined Forsyth in 2012.