Chief of Police C. Frank Simons to receive outstanding publicservice award

Valdosta Chief of Police C. Frank Simons will receive the 2006 Loyce W. Turner Outstanding Public Official Award for his dedicated and distinguished public service career. Simons will be honored during a luncheon at Valdosta State University, Tuesday, March 28, from 11:30 to 1 p.m., at the University Center Magnolia Room 1.

The award, named for former Georgia Senator Loyce W. Turner, is given annually to one who exemplifies an exceptional public service career and serves as a role model for others beginning or contemplating careers in public service. Simons was selected as the eighth recipient of this award by the faculty and members of VSU's Master of Public Administration Program for his leadership of the Valdosta Police Department and his service to the community. Simons helped the department attain both state and international accreditation and has served on several committees. In 2005, Simon received the Georgia Outstanding Police Chief of the Year and his department was recognized as a Flagship Agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Several VSU students will also be recognized at the March 28 luncheon. The 2006 Hugh C. Bailey Outstanding Graduate Student Award will be awarded to: Ms. Maral Viveros in the Public Personnel Management program; Ms. Masela Shiroka in the Public Sector Management program at Moody Air Force Base; Mr. Matthew S. LeCerf in the Public Sector Management program at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base; and Ms. Janice M. Reaves in the online City Management program.

The Hugh C. Bailey Outstanding Graduate Student Award, named after VSU's former president, is given to students who faculty members believe contributed most to the program in and out of the classroom. Students must have completed or will complete the program during the 2005 summer through 2006 spring semesters, have a grade point average of at least 3.50, and have made a major contribution in the classroom and/or to the program as a whole.