Cook County Forest Preserve Police Department Supports Those Who Serve in The Guard or Reserve

COOK COUNTY, IL – The Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, recognized Michael Albrecht, a Deputy Commander from the Cook County Forest Preserve Police Department, and a Des Plaines resident, with the ESGR “Patriotic Employer Award” in recognition of his extraordinary support of a member of the United States Navy Reserve.

The Patriotic Employer Award is presented after ESGR receives a nomination from a Guardsmen or Reservist.  Forest Preserve Police Officer Jorge Arreola, who nominated Commander Albrecht for recognition, is a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve and when preparing his narrative for this award wrote, “Commander Albrecht has always been supportive of my Reserve Duty.  I know that without his support I would not be able to perform the duties that are needed to accomplish my units’ mission.”

The award was presented by Michael Holub of the Illinois Committee of ESGR with thanks for the continued support of the men and women in uniform, who play a critical role in our security at home and around the world.  Joining in making the presentation was Cook County Forest Preserve Police Chief John Roberts. 

According to Michael Holub, Public Affairs Director for Illinois ESGR, “The Patriotic Employer Award publicly recognizes employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who, like the Minutemen 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.   The Cook County Forest Preserve District Police Department now joins thousands of employers who have demonstrated their support of service in the National Guard and Reserve through full compliance with the statutory requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act law.”    

After the presentation, Police Chief John Roberts signed a Statement of Support for Forest Preserve District Police.   Michael Holub stated, “On behalf of our State Chair, Dr. Michael Ayers, Ph.D., I would like to thank Chief Roberts for publicly recognizing the important role of the National Guard and Reserve by signing this Statement of Support. When an employer recognizes and appreciates the value of service in the Guard and Reserve it is a welcome show of support to our men and women in uniform.”  

The Forest Preserve District Police fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).  They join other employers in pledging:

• Their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• They appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans.
• They will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency and is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.  Its mission is to gain and maintain the support of employers for service in the Reserve Components by increasing awareness of the law, recognizing outstanding support and helping to resolve conflicts through informal mediation.  Thousands of ESGR volunteers nationwide provide free education, consultation and, if needed, neutral mediation for employers of Guardsmen and Reservists.  More information about ESGR employer outreach programs and services is available at http://www.esgr.mil.