By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — The Office of the Secretary of Defense has named Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department a patriotic employer.
The ‘Patriot Award’ program recognizes employers that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve forces.
A local detective and member of the special investigations unit, whose name was not disclosed, nominated the department after being sent to multiple trainings with the Wisconsin Army National Guard
“The sheriff’s office has always supported my training and looked after my family when I am gone,” the nominator wrote. “This department as a whole is full of current and past members of the Armed Forces form every branch. Our Sheriff continues to hire reservists to fill our ranks and understands the commitments we have to make, sometimes at a moments notice.
This year my National Guard unit was activated for hurricane relief in Florida. Sheriff Parks on down let me know that if my family needed help when I was gone to call. This brought great relief to me and my wife as we have two small children. Co-workers would stop by to check in on her to see if anything was needed. The law enforcement community is a close community and it makes it easy for me to step away and serve my nation when needed.”
In a statement released on Facebook, Sheriff Scott Parks said his office is grateful for the amazing members of his team.
“Many of them, like this detective, also serve our country as members of the United States Armed Forces,” the statement reads. “They are committed to the service of our community locally and across this great nation. Thank you for the nomination Detective and to each and every one of you who have and continue to serve.”
