Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich was presented the “My Boss is a Patriot Award” along with other personal gifts brought back from Iraq recently. 

Three returned members of the 141st Security Forces Squadron of the Washington Air National Guard took part in a televised presentation of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award and also presented the sheriff with a flag flown in Iraq, an engraved military knife and unit coins. 

“The sheriff has been very supportive of our military duty,” said Jeff Jenkins.   Jenkins is a sheriff’s detective, and like many of his fellow Guardsmen he has had numerous deployments that have taken him away from his civilian job.    “I want to do everything I can for these patriots and their families,” said Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich when he was awarded the “My Boss is a Patriot” award.  “I am proud of their service and I tell them that we’ll take care of their families if they need anything while they are gone.” 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) also presented the sheriff with the esteemed “Above and Beyond Award”.  “Every military member that has spoken to me, tells me that Sheriff Knezovich has been great about supporting their many deployments and their Guard or Reserve duty,” said Spokane Area ESGR Chairman, Ken Isaak.   Approximately 20 members of the Sheriff’s Department are members of the Guard and Reserve.   The sheriff concluded the ceremony by formally signing an ESGR “Statement of Support.”