NORTH SMITHFIELD – An award recognizing employers who provide support and a positive atmosphere for active and reserve military employees has been presented to the head of the North Smithfield Police Department.
Police Chief Tim Lafferty was given the Patriot Award from the Rhode Island Chapter of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve.
The ESGR is a Department of Defense office that recognizes employers that develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and Service members.
“Those awarded with the Patriot Award are recognized as employers that provide support and a positive atmosphere for active and reserve employees,” noted a release on the honor from NSPD Capt. Ellen Lamoreaux.
“The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed,” notes a write-up on the ESGR recognition.
Lafferty, a former captain who has served as chief of the department since 2020, was named a Patriotic Employer, “for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”
He was nominated by Emanuel Avila, a former patrolman with the department, who serves in the U.S. Army.
The chief was presented the award on Saturday, Feb. 10 in a ceremony at Town Hall with former Army artillery officer Joe Cichon.
