Auburn, Ala. - City of Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson was awarded the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award on Thursday, February 28, at the Auburn Chamber Annual Meeting. Outgoing Chairman Errol Howard, who presented the award, said “Chief Dawson exemplifies the concept of servant leadership. He serves the Auburn community out of passion, and out of duty. He is a leader in the community with the goal of serving Auburn by keeping it safe and making it better.”

Howard also acknowledged the Police Chief's contribution to a 58% reduction in building burglaries and an 18% increase in arrests over the past five-years, as cited in statistical data recently released by the City of Auburn. He added that the police division's progress in reducing crime is "good news for home and business-owners alike."

Chief Dawson commented, “I am humbled and honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award. I owe any success to the Auburn Community and to the excellent officers of the Auburn Police Division.”

The Chairman's Award is the Auburn Chamber's most prestigious honor, and is based on an individual's outstanding achievement, leadership, loyalty and dedication to the Auburn community.