The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a United States Department of Defense agency, has announced that the Irvine Police Department has been selected to receive the “Freedom Award”, the highest honor bestowed on an employer by the Department of Defense.

The “Freedom Award” is presented annually by the ESGR to employers who have provided the most exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.



“It is an honor that each year, the City Council strongly supports those who serve by providing for continued compensation when they are serving our country so ably,” said Mayor Sukhee Kang. “This is a community that has a long tradition of supporting veterans and it is a community that never forgets and continues to show its gratitude.”

The City of Irvine has a long history in supporting the National Guard and Reserve dating back to the military operations associated with the Marine Corps Air Stations, El Toro and Tustin.  The City has continually recognized and supported our nation’s service members and their families, and is honored to be this year’s recipient of this prestigious award.

“We are humbled to be recognized for our support of the men and women of our Department and our City who serve our community every day with distinction,” said Irvine Police Chief David L. Maggard, Jr. “When called to duty, our reservists serve our Nation with extraordinary bravery and honor”.