The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was recently honored with two U.S. Department of Defense awards for its commitment to agency members serving in the military.
The Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, presented CCSO with the Above and Beyond Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Florida National Guard and Reserve.
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard conducts an awards program designed to recognize employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.
The Above and Beyond Award is given in limited numbers by state and territory ESGR committees. It recognizes employers at the state and local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty performed by their employees.
Sgt. Gary T. Martin, who is assigned to the CCSO substation in Golden Gate, nominated the agency for the award. Sgt. Martin serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
CCSO Community Outreach Director Stephanie Spell was also honored by the ESGR with a Patriot Award.
The Patriot Award publicly recognizes employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the servicemen before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units.
CCSO Prevention Services Lt. George Welch, a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, nominated Director Spell, his supervisor, for the award for her support of his military service while he was deployed in Afghanistan last year.
