Baltimore, Maryland– The Maryland Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, honored Baltimore County Police Department with the prestigious Pro Patria Award.

The Pro Patria Award is the highest state-level award given to a civilian employer by DOD. Recipients of the award demonstrate exceptional support for United States national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to serve as Guard members and reservists.  Mr. George Doetsch, Jr., Maryland ESGR State Chair presented the award to Chief James Johnson and Colonel William Kelly on May 7, 2009 in Timonium at its Central Employers Awards Luncheon.

Baltimore County Police Department has received Five-Star status from ESGR. In order to receive Five-Star status, an organization must support associates who serve in the National Guard and Reserves and have its policies and procedures in compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). Additional requirements include promoting training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage associates who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Baltimore County Police Department is Maryland’s public service employer category nominee for the national Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, of which only five are presented each year. The award is ESGR’s most prestigious award presented by the Secretary of the Defense to an employer in recognition of its unique and extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
The Baltimore County Police Department is committed to excellence and professionalism in delivering comprehensive law enforcement services. Its core responsibility is to prevent and reduce crime. All department members have an obligation, a duty, to pursue those who commit crimes. Using current and developing technologies, the department is committed to research and innovation.  Comprised of approximately 2,540 employees, the Baltimore County Police Department ranks nationally as one of the 30 largest local government police agencies. The department proudly serves a population that exceeds over a half million residing within 610 square miles.

The department recognizes the value of its employees and partners, from professional staff and sworn members, to the many citizens who come forth to volunteer and assist in fulfilling their mission. They remain committed to the further enhancement of these partnerships.  They continually strive to develop the skills of its members, and to efficiently and effectively manage its resources to deliver the highest level of service to the public

About ESGR:  The ESGR is an agency within the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. The committee was established by Presidential Executive Order in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. Today, ESGR operates through a network of more than 4,200 volunteers in 54 committees located in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Europe. The Maryland ESGR Committee is tasked to promote understanding of the National Guard and Reserve with both public and private sector employers.