Columbus police recognized for support of Guard, reserves

The Columbus Police Department has been recognized for its commitment to members of the National Guard and the military reserves.

The Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve association presented the department with its “Above and Beyond” award at a recent awards banquet in Indianapolis. According to the department, the awards are presented by the ESGR to recognize employers who support the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act “by providing their National Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages.”

According to Police Chief Jon Rohde 11 of the current officers are also serving in the Armed Forces on active duty, in the National Guard or the reserves. He said that a third of the department either have previously served or are serving now.

Rohde said the department is proud to work with the officers to ensure that they can attend the training and exercises they need to keep their military commitments. He said that the officers who are serving understand the importance of service.