September 19, 2008 Meet the officer and the 'Runaway' Play video

(Scot Yount, NECN) - They are a kind of police royalty. Two gentleman who for 50 years have represented what it means to be a policeman.

Sergeant Richard Clemens was just 29, Ed Locke 8, when Normal Rockwell asked the pair to pose for what became one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

The "Runaway" as he named it captured a piece of the American fabric that is our heritage.

On this day, Richard an Ed are celebrated. They get eight certificates of recognition -- proud to be honored by the oldest state police force in the country.

NECN's Scot Yount has the story in the video player above.