KIRKLAND, Wash. – Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced that the Kirkland Police Department, received the ESGR Seven Seals Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of Kirkland Police Department employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Seven Seals Award, presented by Dennis Newell, Washington ESGR employer outreach coordinator, on behalf of Washington ESGR State Chair Phil Sanders, was accepted by Kirkland Police Department Chief Cherie Harris.
The Kirkland Police Department was nominated by Washington National Guardsman Capt. Jacob DesCamp, a patrol officer with the Department for their support of their employees who serve. “The Kirkland Police Department currently employs several National Guardsmen and reservists in multiple capacities throughout the department, to include both Police and Corrections Officers,” said DesCamp. “In a time where police departments nationwide are suffering from staffing shortages, KPD continues to employ and support service members who have to balance their obligations both to the military and the department.”
“The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the state chair. The award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiatives, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission,” said Newell. “The Seven Seals Award is symbolic of the seven services: Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve.
“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Newell. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”
By supporting its employees, the Kirkland Police Department allow its citizen soldiers to both assist their local community, but also meet their military obligations, assisting communities nationwide and internationally. “Throughout 2021, three service members at KPD, including myself, have been deployed overseas,” explained DesCamp. “In addition to overseas deployments, some members of the department were activated to help protect the state and national capitols, on top of their regular monthly/annual training requirements. KPD currently offers 21 days of annual paid military leave to help support service members that have to miss work due to their military service obligations. Throughout my deployment, members of the KPD staff have been communicative and supportive, sending frequent emails/messages to check in on me and inform me of current events ongoing at the department, as well as sending care packages to those of us deployed to help boost morale.
Chief Harris expressed her appreciation for the Kirkland Police Department being recognized for their support. “I personally feel very lucky to work here with this amazing group of men and women,” said Chief Harris. “They truly care about the community and support each other, especially members of the military.”
Photo Caption: The Kirkland Police Department, received the ESGR Seven Seals Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of Kirkland Police Department employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Seven Seals Award, presented by Dennis Newell, Washington ESGR employer outreach coordinator, on behalf of Washington ESGR State Chair Phil Sanders, was accepted by Kirkland Police Department Chief Cherie Harris. The Kirkland Police Department was nominated by Washington National Guardsman Capt. Jacob DesCamp, a patrol officer with the Department for their support of their employees who serve. “
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates 50 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.