The Hendersonville Police Department was awarded the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition an employer can receive from the Department of Defense for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.
Celebrating its 30th year, the Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 370 honorees to date. The national award recognizes just 15 employers in America for their dedication to their guard and reserve employees. The recipients include small and large private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guard or Reserve Component Service member employed in their organization. 5 public agencies were selected, including the Hendersonville Police Department.
The department was awarded the Freedom Award by the ESGR on Friday, August 29, 2025. The award was presented by United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a brief ceremony at City Hall.
Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary commended city staff for their dedication to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves. “I appreciate what the administration, the police department, and the fire department do for them so we can support them. Not just when they’re protecting us here, but when they’re protecting the whole country.”
For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, a program of the Defense Family Office, visit www.ESGR.mil.
Photo courtesy of the United States Department of Defense.