King County has been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award for the support it provides to its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Pro Patria means ‘for one’s country’, and the ESGR Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee. This award recognizes the leadership and practices of an organization that have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for them to serve.

King County Executive Dow Constantine accepted this prestigious award in a virtual ceremony honoring our 100-plus active duty King County employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. “It’s a privilege to be here with so many who have served or currently serve our nation,” Executive Constantine said at the ceremony. “We are richer for the knowledge and experience they bring to our government, and their ongoing spirit of service in our community and our nation.

King County offers a range of supports to employees who are serving in the military, including 21 days of paid military leave annually for required military duties, and supplemental pay when called to active duty and training. In addition, medical benefits are not impacted by a uniformed services leave, and vacation and sick leave continue to accrue while employees are on uniformed services leave.

“I’m proud that at King County, we’re doing right by our heroes and emerging as a leader in how to invest in and provide support to employees in the uniformed services,” said King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who was also in attendance. “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and employers have a unique opportunity to honor that sacrifice.”

Watch a short video of the award presentation below.