(St. George, UT) - The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was recognized last week for its support of National Guard and Miliary Reserve. Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith accepted a Patriot's Award on behalf of the Sheriff’s office for support of the National Guard and the Military Reserve programs. The award was presented by the National Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.

The National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) sponsors an awards program designed to recognize employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR is an organization established in 1972 by the Department of Defense (DoD) to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

The ESGR recognizes employers who endorse employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Forces. The organization develops and promotes American employers support and value for military service of their employees.

Throughout the last decade, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has had many of it’s members serve in the Middle East region and in other active duty assignments throughout the Continental United States. The Sheriff’s Office currently has two of it’s members on active duty in military reserve programs.