Three high-ranking members of the Picayune Police Department now hold awards from the U.S. Secretary of Defense for their efforts to employ National Guardsmen.
Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey and Cpt. James Bolton received the Patriot Award in 2015 after being nominated by an officer who is now deployed with the National Guard.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri received the award last month after being nominated by a current officer who served 12 years in the guard.
“He goes above and beyond for myself and other National Guardsmen that are deployed,” the officer who nominated Magri said.
These officials were recognized because of their understanding and flexibility when it comes to the demanding schedule of a guardsman, the officer said.
“Chief Dawsey is very patriotic, he truly respects military personnel and thanks them for their service to this country,” Magri said.
In spite of a tight work schedule, the department is willing to work with servicemen and women to help balance work, rest and family time, he said.
“Overall he’s a patriot,” the officer said about Magri. “He doesn’t hold me or any other guardsman back from promotion.”
In the past 12 years, the officer said he’s heard from other guardsmen who said they aren’t promoted at home and have trouble finding steady employment because of their involvement with the guard.
The chief has always complimented officers on their military service and is adamant about how much he enjoys being around military in his department, the officer said.
“He looks for reasons to promote us,” he said.
With as many as six guardsmen employed at the department at one time, working with their schedules can be difficult, the officer said, but with many members of the department having a military background, they maintain a positive atmosphere.
“Being a Guardsman, goes hand in hand with police work, it’s all about honor and integrity,” the officer said.
Even if the National Guard called him to go to Texas and help with the disaster relief, the department wouldn’t hesitate to let him go.
“I’m honored to be nominated for the award, I respect our military and what they do for us,” Magri said. “They’re not only out there fighting to keep us safe overseas, they’re on front lines of the police department defending our city.”