Conyers, Georgia celebrated its standout municipal employees in a breakfast ceremony where the city's most dedicated were honored for their excellence and commitment. Candace Chandler was awarded the distinguished 2025 Dee Buggay Award of Excellence, also known as the Employee of the Year, for her exceptional administrative contributions to the Conyers Police Department, as reported by the official city news release.
In a statement obtained by the City of Conyers official news portal, City Manager Kameron Kelley extolled Chandler, saying, "an employee who has elevated the administrative operations of the office by bringing a new level of professionalism, calmness, and proficiency." Reflecting nearly a decade of service, Chandler's journey through the city's Real-Time Crime Center, the Department of Court Services, and eventually to the office of the Chief of Police demonstrates a career marked by resilience and dedication. Her recognition was made sweeter by the presence of her family, including her sons Coby and Ashton, during the surprise announcement at Cherokee Run Golf Club on January 21, 2026.
The PEACH Award, which stands for Positive Employees Are Conyers' Heartbeat, was given to Michelle Turner, court clerk supervisor at the Department of Court Services. Turner was celebrated for her unwavering positivity and respect towards her colleagues and for enhancing customer experiences. She is always "willing to patiently help anyone with questions and concerns," from the accolades reported by the City of Conyers news article.
Conyers Police Department's own K9 Officer First Class Hans Evatt did not go unnoticed, as he was named the 2025 Conyers Police Officer of the Year. Chief of Police Scott Freeman praised Evatt's dedication to safety and law enforcement, calling him "a cornerstone of reliability and expertise, and a pillar of our relentless pursuit of tracking down criminal offenders to keep our city safe," in the City of Conyers news announcement. Equally praised for his behind-the-scenes work, Grant Posey, the CPD’s NIBRS coordinator, was recognized with the Civilian of the Year Award for his crucial role in achieving departmental compliance well ahead of time.
Not all heroes wear uniforms, and this rang true for Public Works and Transportation employees Lonnie Burtts and Ronald Simmons, who received "Above and Beyond" certificates for their heroic efforts to assist in a car accident even before emergency services could arrive. City Manager Kelley, quoted in the City of Conyers news release, highlighted their swift action and care for others, stating, "These men did not hesitate when they saw the need to help."
