Anne Arundel Police Sign Statement Of Support For Guard, Reserve Employees

ANNE ARUNDEL, MD — The Anne Arundel County Police Department Chief signed a statement of support for National Guard and U.S. military reserve members who serve on the police force on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Chief Tim Altomare signed the statement, supported by the Maryland Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, just after the department's annual Military Appreciation Day Event, according to a press release from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

"Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Gaurd and Reserve units," said Jean Hulet, ESGR state chair in the press release. "I am asking all Maryland employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees."

Some Maryland businesses go above and beyond the legal requirements of supporting Guard and Reserve employees, like paying them to offset lost wages and extending health care benefits.

By signing the statement of support, Hulet said, the Anne Arundel County Police Department "pledges to continue to stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation's call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation."

By signing the Statement of Support, Chief Altomare pledged to:

• Fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and re-Employment Rights Act.
• Provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workfours and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• Continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

Also, by signing the statement, Altomare is "sending a clear message to the sworn officers and civilian employees of the Anne Arundel County Police Department that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilians jobs," Hulet said.

Article image provided by Anne Arundel County Police Department