Each year the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes companies and organizations that provide the utmost support of individuals serving in the United States National Guard and Reserve. This year, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office received the Above and Beyond Award, recognizing the Agency as an employer that has exceeded the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act requirements.

To receive the Above and Beyond Award, or any other Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) award, the organization or company must be nominated by a member of the United States National Guard and Reserve. We are extremely thankful for Deputy Barry Hernandez’s choice to nominate the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office for recognition by the ESGR for the second year in a row. Deputy Hernandez is a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard and has served for just over 20 years.

Deputy Hernandez said in part in his submission:

“My employer and several supervisors gave me an awesome farewell, actually two going away parties, which showed how much this family means to me. Also, I was reassured by a higher supervisor that they would make sure my wife would be checked on frequently while I was gone on my deployment. I am grateful for having an awesome employer and superb supervisors.”

Deputy Hernandez also included that the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office offers up to 30 days of paid Military leave, health benefits are maintained and paid so the Deputy/Reserve Member and their dependents have health care coverage while the Member is deployed, actively recruits Reserve Members and other military members, and regularly finds ways to show support for active Servicemembers and Veterans.

Additionally, Deputy Hernandez nominated the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office for the highest award given by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, for which the office received recognition. According to the ESGR, “This award recognizes employers who provide the most outstanding support for their Guard and Reserve employees and is presented annually by the Secretary of Defense… It is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Department of Defense.”

Captain Jeff Byrne and Lieutenant Lisa Peck joined Deputy Barry Hernandez for an awards ceremony in Denver to accept the Above and Beyond Award. Captain Byrne said of the award, “The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to supporting our employees, like Deputy Hernandez, who serve not only the Mesa County community but our nation. Taking care of our employees and servicemembers is the least we can do.”