Sheriff’s Department receives Patriot Employer Award

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department last week was the recipient of the Patriot Award, a prestigious recognition given to employers of service members in the Guard and Reserve. Nominating the department was employee Sgt. Chris Wertz, deputy in charge of Court Services.

The United States is defended by a voluntary force of men and women who make the choice to serve, sometimes for long periods out of the country away from their families and in harm’s way. It is a noble person that would offer themselves and their service in this way.

Also making sacrifices on behalf of defense are the employers of the men and women who are gone for long periods of time. Employers who have to shuffle to make sure the work gets done but that the job is still available when the service member returns. In small communities and employers with a limited staff, this is no small task but is made willingly.

The ESGR-DOD, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Department of Defense seeks to provide appreciation to employers through the awarding of the Patriot Award.

Annette Jennings, executive director of ESGR presented certificates to Sheriff Mark Nichols, Chief Deputy Nevin Turner and Wertz’ immediate supervisor Captain Pat Thomas. Assisting with the presentation was Captain Christopher Ash, Commander of 3175^th MP Company and Wertz’ company commander.

“The Patriot Award is a special honor for an employer,” said Jennings. “The reason it is so special is that it can only be awarded upon recommendation of the service member.”

Wertz has been on two deployments in his nine years with the sheriff’s department: Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He leaves this month for a special mission in Virginia.

“I want to do more than say thank you,” Wertz told Nichols, Turner and Thomas. “You are my family. Thank you for supporting me.”

Captain Ash said Wertz is “one of our most reliable guys.”

Patriot Award pins were given to the three also.

“Wear it with honor,” said Jennings.

Wertz has also nominated Nichols, Turner and Thomas to take part in the upcoming BossLift, to take place in August.

“We take them to Ft. Wood and they get first-hand knowledge of what their employees do when they are away for training,” said Jennings. “They visit the MP facility and eat lunch with the basic training graduates. They get to try the Martin 19 – grenade launcher – simulator and the driving simulator. We are trying to arrange a ride on one of the Black Hawks. All the bosses will gain knowledge that their employees perform tasks that are vital to the security of our nation.”