SYLACAUGA, Ala. – During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, several officers from the Sylacauga Police Department and one investigator from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office were recognized for their hard work and commitment to the community.
Investigator Kelly White, Sgt. Mike Davenport, Officer Ben Layton, TJ Gallahair, Kyle Smith, Sgt. Chris Vinson and TCSO Investigator Daniel Ledbetter all received a Meritorious Service Award for their exceptional work quickly locating and apprehending a suspect responsible for an armed robbery at Sally’s Beauty Supply on May 11.
A Meritorious Service Award is a commendation bar and certificate presented to employees who place themselves at risk for personal injury or while under extremely stressful circumstances displays exceptional professionalism.
Officer Ben Layton was also recognized as Employee of the Year for the Sylacauga Police Department.
Employee of the Year is an award, commendation bar and certificate presented to the employee recognized by their peers for their professional and exemplary conduct.
Captain Rondell Muse was presented the Distinguished Service Award recognizing his continued commitment and service to the Sylacauga community and Sylacauga Police Department. Captain Muse has been with SPD for 25 years.
The Distinguished Service Award is a commendation bar and certificate presented upon the completion of each five years of continuous service to the department. A medal is presented after 25 years of continuous service.
COVID-19 presented several challenges for everyone across the nation. Businesses shutdown and most employees worked remotely from their homes, however that was not the case for local law enforcement officers and other first responders. While it may have been a challenging time, officers rose to the challenge and remained committed to serving and protecting their community regardless of the circumstances. On Tuesday night, officers from the Sylacauga Police Department presented Chief Kelley Johnson with a plaque of appreciation for his hard work and commitment to his staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
