SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS EVENT RECOGNIZING LEADERS WHO SUPPORT ARMED FORCES

Freehold: Sheriff Shaun Golden was the proud host of the Monmouth County Law Enforcement ‘Show of Strength’ ceremony, held on April 22, in conjunction with the Department of Defense’s Employer of the Guard and Reserve, (ESGR) and the New Jersey Parole Board. The event, which was attended by more than 100 people and included law enforcement officials and members of the military throughout Monmouth County, recognized the show of support law enforcement provides to its citizen soldiers, when the nation calls on them to defend our country. “We may be the ones honored on this day, as law enforcement leaders who show a strong commitment to our citizen soldiers, but they are the true heroes and should be honored year round,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Our men and women of the armed forces sacrifice everything to keep us safe. When they are called to duty, it’s our duty and responsibility to our nation to strongly support them and their family members.” ESGR coordinates these events throughout New Jersey and works with employers in an effort to support and value the military service of its employees and to ensure that reservists and National Guard members can return to their jobs from active duty.

“I commend the Monmouth County’s Sheriff’s Office for its unwavering support of our military men and women,” said Don Tretola, State Chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, office of the Department of Defense. “It is collaborations such as this that make a difference in our mission of serving those who serve.”

While performing military service, Monmouth County employees receive full pay for 90 days, and, after that time, they receive the difference in pay between the employee’s regular earnings and the military base pay for active duty. Families continue to maintain health benefits, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office actively supports families who have to endure the hardships when their loved ones are away.

During the ceremony, Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose agency currently has 21 active members of the military, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, who recently served on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander, Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who has been active with the transition of Fort Monmouth and an advocate for active duty military members and veterans and Michael Ruane, Director of the Monmouth County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services, were all presented with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) prestigious Seven Seals Award. All of the recipients have demonstrated outstanding support, commitment and patriotism to the United States military and their efforts have carried out ESGR’s mission.

“Our armed forces are critical to our nation’s defense and therefore it’s critical we support all of them for the heroic efforts in keeping our country safe,” said Acting Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni. “Being a member of the U.S. Navy and Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor I honor the sacrifices our armed forces make and the continued support Monmouth County provides.”

“I’m humbled to be the recipient of this award,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “This honor reinforces the dedication, support and long term commitment the sheriff’s office and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders have to our citizen soldiers.”
“I commend ESGR for these efforts and grateful that Monmouth County carries out its mission in supporting our military men and women,” said Michael Ruane, Director of the Monmouth County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services.

“It’s important we continue to do so by providing our armed forces with support and opportunity before, during and after their tours of duty.” At the conclusion of the ceremony, in an effort of united support, members of law enforcement, local and county officials signed “Statements of Support” to attest and reinforce their continued dedication of the armed forces.

News Release-MCSO Hosts Event Recognizing Leaders Who Support Armed Forces