Last week, the Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented Sheriff Joseph Roybal and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office with the prestigious Seven Seals Award. Sheriff Roybal was nominated by El Paso County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Alexander Yakovlev, who serves as a Staff Sergeant with the Colorado Army National Guard.
The Seven Seals Award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, which supports the ESGR mission, including the efforts of the more than 2,300 volunteers who carry out ESGR's mission across the Nation.
During the presentation, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Yakovlev stated, “Over the past few years while serving in the Colorado National Guard, I have participated in multiple, lengthy operations within the military. While I had military obligations, my Command Staff always made sure that I was set for success, whether it was on the military side or the Sheriff's Office.
“It was my pleasure and honor to nominate Sheriff Roybal and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office as one of the supportive employers. When Sheriff Roybal was my Commander and SRT Commander, he ensured all necessary adjustments and accommodations were made so I could attend drills, training, and, most importantly, military missions. He cares about deputies who have military obligations outside of this Office. It shows from the top down throughout the Office, and it's appreciated. Thank you for your leadership and your support!”
“It was an honor to present Sheriff Roybal with the Seven Seals award . . . the Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the State Chair or by ESGR senior leadership,” said Mark Lieven, Pikes Peak Area Chair for the Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “Recognizing supportive employers is vital to ESGR's mission. ESGR's 54 State Committees actively promote awards as a key element in furthering employer support while strengthening relationships between service members and employers. These Department of Defense awards honor the sacrifices made by so many employers year after year.”
"I was surprised and humbled to receive this award on behalf of the hard-working men and women at the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, professional and sworn," said Sheriff Roybal. "We take great pride in our diverse, culture-rich workforce and continually look for ways to develop our team into strong leaders and committed partners for our community. Deputies and staff who are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard bring unique leadership skills and knowledge to our Office and often rise to leadership roles because of their experiences.
“I thank Mr. Lieven for his work supporting men and women in uniform in the Pikes Peak region, and Sergeant Yakovlev for this nomination and taking the time to recognize the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is part of the Department of Defense. It was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. Additionally, it serves to assist in resolving conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.
