YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A Mahoning County Sheriff's detective has been recognized for his work helping solve a nearly four-decade-old murder mystery.

Detective Patrick Mondora was one of six nominees for this year's Ohio's  Finest Officer Award.

Mondora's work helped prosecutors indict James Ferrara for the 1974 murders of Benjamin Marsh, his wife Marilyn, and daughter Heather at their Canfield home.

Ferrara is serving a life sentence for drug related murders in the Columbus area, and will be brought back to Youngstown to be tried on the Marsh family murders.

Mondora has been investigating the case since 2009.

Detective Mondora did not receive the award, but Sheriff Jerry Green says he is extremely proud that Mondara is being recognized.

The 43 year old Mondora is a 14 year veteran of the Mahoning County Sheriff's office.