HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee honored the civilian employer of a 419th Fighter Wing reservist at an awards banquet April 27 in Salt Lake City.

Mayor Ron Bigelow accepted the ESGR Pro Patria Award presented for the city’s extraordinary support to its employees who serve in the Reserve and National Guard. The Pro Patria Award is the highest award presented by a state ESGR committee and this is West Valley City’s third such recognition.

The city was nominated by Staff Sgt. Robert Brinton, a reservist in the 419th Security Forces Squadron who also works for the West Valley City Police Department.

West Valley City is also among 30 finalists for the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The finalists represent large and small employers, as well as government organizations. ESGR received nominations for employers in all 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

The ESGR National Selection Board will select and announce the 15 recipients of the 2018 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award by mid-June.