Pam Weigand, the director of Douglas County’s Youth Services Department, received the Lawrence chamber of commerce’s Buford M. Watson Jr. Award on Tuesday.

In remembrance of former Lawrence city manager Buford Watson, the award recognizes one public servant every year for outstanding public service. Weigand, a graduate of Kansas University and Washburn University, has served as the director of Youth Services since 1992.

“We are proud to serve under your direction and congratulate you on this much deserved award,” Holly Myers, assistant director of the department, said during the ceremony at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St.

Myers said that under Weigand’s direction, the Youth Services Department has become a statewide leader in caring for juvenile delinquents.

Myers said the department created the first Detention Day School program in Kansas and was also the first in the state to implement a care management system known as Positive Behavior Supports.

“It has been my honor to work with her for most of my 20 years with Douglas County,” Myers said.