By Pat Culverhouse

Providing continued support for employees who serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard has earned Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker and Chief Deputy Hank Haynes special recognition.

Parker and Haynes were honored Friday by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, designating the Sheriff’s Office as a Patriotic Employer.

“This is in recognition of the encouragement you give the men and women under your command who serve in the Reserve and Guard,” said M/Sgt. Jonathon Knight who presented the awards.

“We have several deputies in the Guard and Reserve and we’re proud to assist them any way we can,” Parker said. “We accept this honor on behalf of those who serve not only the people of Webster Parish but their country as well.”

Parker said deputies are always prepared to be asked to go the extra mile as members of the units.

“They can be called to duty at any time in case of emergency, whether it’s local, in another state or anywhere in the world,” Parker said. “They deserve our support and most of all, our respect.”