HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The civilian employer of a reservist from the 419th Fighter Wing has been nominated as one of 30 finalists for the 2019 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

West Valley City landed in the top 30 from among 2,415 nominations across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. The city was nominated by Staff Sgt. Robert Brinton, a cop in the 419th Security Force Squadron who also works for the West Valley City Police Department.

The Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense to employers for their exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve members. The finalists represent large and small employers, as well as government organizations.

West Valley City has already been recognized for its outstanding support of Reserve personnel with five ESGR awards, including the Patriot Award, Above and Beyond Award, and three Pro Patria Awards.

The 15 employers selected to receive the 2019 SECDEF Employer Support Freedom Award will be announced by mid-June.