Cramerton Police Chief Honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employees Who Serve in the North Carolina National Guard and Reserve

The North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Cramerton Chief of Police, Greg E. Ratchford was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of the Police Department’s employees who serve in the North Carolina National Guard and Reserve. 

According to Jim Rorie, North Carolina ESGR Committee Awards Chairman, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the Minute Men before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.” 

Chief Ratchford and the Cramerton Police Department join with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many employers provide “Above and Beyond” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized. 

Staff Sergeant Lewis Bowman, a Patrol Officer with the Cramerton Police Department and a C-130 Loadmaster with the Air National Guard in Charlotte had this to say about his employer:  “The Cramerton Police Department and the Town of Cramerton have provided me with nothing but outstanding support as a military member of the Air National Guard.  Chief Ratchford presented me with an award and continually tells me how proud the Cramerton Police Department is of me.” 

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Jim Rorie, 980-621-1701.