Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Honored by Defense Department

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has been honored by the United States Department of Defense for its commitment to employees who are also serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

The office was one of 15 employers around the country give The Freedom Award, the highest honor given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees.

"The extraordinary support these employers provide contributes greatly to the readiness and resilience of our Guardsmen and Reservists," said Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

"Their support allows those troops to serve our nation at home and abroad knowing their civilian careers are secure, and is vitally important to the success of our national security strategy."

Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts championed legislation in 2015 to bridge the pay gap for employees who go on a military deployment. House Bill 2763 -- the Military Families' Pay Equity Bill -- allows public employers to make up the difference in pay between an employee's civilian and military salary while on a military deployment.

"At the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, we are fortunate to employ many citizen-soldiers who continue to serve the country as members of the National Guard and Reserves," said Roberts.

"They are some of our best -- loyal, hardworking, and valuable assets to our team. I'm proud of the work our Military Employee Support Program does to ease the stress of a deployment on our employees and their families. Whether it is mowing a lawn, sending a care package, or helping buy Christmas presents for families, our employees go above and beyond to help each other."

Photos courtesy Clackamas County Sheriff's Office