Conyers City Manager Tony Lucas announces retirement after nearly 40years of service

CONYERS, GA–City Manager Tony Lucas has announced his intention to retire from the city of Conyers effective May 31, 2024. Lucas leaves a legacy of nearly 40 years of service to the city, serving in numerous key roles integral to the community’s growth and progress.

“I am most proud of the relationships and partnerships I’ve helped forge while at the city,” said Lucas. “I can say without a doubt that the positive, progressive reputation the city, the city council, and the Conyers Police Department enjoy is a result of the right people willing to sit at a table, work cooperatively, and make decisions for the betterment and safety of our citizens. I’m humbled to have had a seat at that table for so many years.”

Lucas began his law enforcement career with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) in 1977. After his service with the RCSO, he joined the United State Marshal’s Service as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal at the Federal Courthouse and Federal Court of Appeals in Atlanta in 1983.

Lucas joined the Conyers Police Department (CPD) as a patrol officer in 1984. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to deputy chief in 1988, and then chief of police in 1994. He was additionally named chief operating officer of the city in 2000, then interim city manager in June 2004. Lucas was named city manager and director of public safety in February 2005. Since 2005, Lucas has overseen the day-to-day operations of the city while working collaboratively with two mayors and multiple city council members.

Perhaps the most pivotal moment in Lucas’ career was his participation in planning for security for the city-owned Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP), prior to and during the 1996 Olympic Games.

In preparation for the Games, Lucas participated in extensive training in the areas of terrorism-related incidents and response with the Israeli Police and their special forces, with the Hungarian National Police in Budapest, and with the British Police at the Badminton Horse Trails in Gloucestershire, England. A notable highlight of his career, Lucas was the lead executive representing Conyers for the Olympic Security Support Group, a planning committee comprised of federal, state and local officials, for security of the 1996 Olympic Games at the GIHP, the largest venue of the Atlanta Olympic Games, and the second most attended.

Lucas has served the local community and law enforcement community in numerous ways over the course of his career. Lucas has served on Atlanta Metropol, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he was a longtime member of the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Committee. He was formerly chairman of the East Metro Drug Enforcement Team Board, as well as a member of the Advisory Board for the Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Lucas also served as the charter president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Georgia Lodge #69. He has served as a board member for the Atlanta Area Council on Battered Women, Rockdale Emergency Relief, Rockdale County Board of Health, and United Way. Lucas was a member of the charter Leadership Rockdale Class sponsored by the Conyers Rockdale Chamber of Commerce in 1986.

Lucas has a degree in applied sciences from Georgia DeKalb College and is a graduate of the 166^th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Mayor Vince Evans and the Conyers City Council have been conducting interviews for Lucas’ successor over the last month. The new city manager will be announced later this week, allowing Lucas to closely work with and mentor his replacement until his retirement date, Evans said.

“As our community has grown and changed over time, Tony has been a rock-steady, guiding force we could count on with a wealth of knowledge about any number of things,” Mayor Evans said. “A native of Conyers and Rockdale County and a nearly 40-year employee of the city, Tony’s institutional knowledge of law enforcement, leadership, and local government can never be replicated. We are grateful for his service, his commitment and dedication, and we recognize he’s leaving a void that won’t easily be filled.”