The Hickory Police Department has received a national award recognizing its effort to support employees who also serve as U.S. military service members. The “Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award” is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. This is according to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) website.

The Hickory Police Department (HPD) was nominated by Hickory Police Lieutenant Andrew Robison who also serves in the Army Reserve as a Staff Sergeant. He returned to HPD earlier this year following a deployment. The Hickory Police Department was invited to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. to receive the award on August 30.

In a news release, Robison said “I am so thankful that they (HPD) go above and beyond to ease the burden of deployment on employees by having such a generous and pro-military service member policy as well as providing the flexibility needed to transition on and off active-duty orders,” Robison said. “They did everything they could to support me while I was away and they continue to be completely positive, encouraging, accommodating, and proud of my military service. I am very thankful and grateful for their love and support, and I could not ask for a better place to work as a military service member.”

Along with Robison, the Hickory Police Department has numerous veterans currently employed as officers, telecommunicators, and other positions at the department. HPD is grateful for their service, both for their country and their community.

[From City of Hickory News Release]