Dennis 'Buck' Saunders serves the city of Chattanooga for 50 years
A 51-year employee of the city of Chattanooga received two professional achievement awards in recognition of dedication to his job and outstanding customer service.
Dennis "Buck" Saunders, a department supervisor with Chattanooga's Department of Public Works, was selected for the Murphy Snoderly Award, presented annually to an outstanding field employee in a municipal public works department in Tennessee. In May, Saunders received the designation as the public works department's Employee of the Year.
Saunders began his career with the city in 1964 after military service in Vietnam. He exemplifies what it means to be a public servant, continually inspiring his co-workers and managers with his work ethic and motivation to help others.
Working in Chattanooga's sewers is not easy or glamorous. Yet, all anyone sees from "Mr. Buck" is a big smile, a friendly handshake and a pat on the back. Then he gets to work making sure customers' problems are solved as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Marissa Bell, Department of Economic and Community Development