Snellville Police Department

community outside his basic patrol responsibilities by voluntarily participating in the Special Response Team and Honor Guard. DeVries also steps up for community events, such as Shop-WithA-Cop, and assists with the Citizens Police Academy.

“DeVries continuously demonstrates public service and therefore is an ideal candidate for this prestigious award,” VFW officials said.

February was a busy month for Snellville Police Department Corporal A. DeVries.

On Feb. 16, DeVries received the Law Enforcement Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4180 in Snellville.

On Feb. 18, the VFW recognized DeVries as the Law Enforcement Public Servant of the Year for the State of Georgia.

A past recipient of the Gwinnett Chamber LifeSaving Award in 2022, DeVries has been dedicated to public service since joining the U.S. Marine Corps out of high school. Through his time in law enforcement, he has served as a deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and now as a patrol officer with the Snellville Police Department. DeVries has performed exceptionally in his position and strives to make a positive impact on the Snellville community. He serves the

Several officers were recognized by the department for their efforts performed in January. Officer A. Templeton was selected as the January 2023 Officer of the Month award. During January, Templeton handled a total of 627 calls for service which included 27 report calls, 103 traffic stops, and 449 preventative area checks. He also arrested 13 individuals and issued 84 traffic citations while working on the Night Bravo Team.

The Supervisor of the Month was awarded to D. Boone. During January, Boone spearheaded the department’s transition from .40-caliber firearms to a 9 mm system with optics. This monumental task was completed in a two-week period. It required providing instruction on not only a new firearm but also a new way of operating. The job was not a minor undertaking as it required providing instruction on not just a new firearm, but also a new way of operating. By the end of the transition, the average qualifying scores across the department had increased significantly compared to qualifying scores from past years. The new weapon platform not only allows the officers to perform their job more efficiently, but also dramatically decreases liability for the city.

The Significant Arrest of the Month was awarded to Lt. Rankin and Sgt. Matyac. Rankin stopped a vehicle for a taillight violation. Matyac backed Rankin up on the traffic stop. During the traffic stop, Matyac observed plain-view marijuana inside the vehicle, and a search of the vehicle was performed. The search revealed 22 ounces of marijuana, 44 grams of powder cocaine, 59 grams of crack cocaine, 176 grams of methamphetamine, 18 grams of ecstasy, 97 grams of Fentanyl, 44 grams of THC oil, and various illegally possessed prescription pills. A stolen Glock handgun was also recovered, along with a seizure of just under $18,000 in U.S. currency. The driver, a convicted felon, was booked into the Gwinnett Jail on multiple felony drug and weapons violations.