LHPD Chief Matthew Rickard receives Patriot Award

LOCK HAVEN -- City of Lock Haven Police Chief Matthew Rickard received the Patriot Award from Police Officer Sergeant Brad Coder this week.

The award recognizes the support Rickard has provided Coder, a member of the Army National Guard, during his employment.

The Patriot Award, established by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, is given to supervisors nominated by their employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. It honors those who support soldiers' needs in the workplace through measures such as flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence when needed.

"It's an honor, honestly. I feel I'm accepting it on behalf of the city," said Chief Rickard. "Without the City Council's support, the manager's efforts and all of the officers supporting Sergeant Coder, it wouldn't even be possible for him to do this. So, we're really proud of him and his 14 years of service with the Army National Guard."

The certificate, hand delivered by ESGR representative William Burkhard, named Rickard a "patriotic employer" for "contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard Reserves."

Sgt. Coder, Patrolman First Class, will be on deployment for 10 months, starting in September. Despite his extended absence, Coder says there has been minimal complaining about the strain it could place on the already short-staffed department.

"That is something that is actually quite rare when it comes to losing somebody out of a 12-man department. You're losing one officer for 10 months, and it can be easy to complain about," said Sgt. Coder. "There hasn't really been. It's just 'let's figure out what we can do without him.'"

Regardless of whether Coder needs to arrive late for Sunday drills or take an extended leave of absence, Rickard and the entire police department consistently support him.

"I served in the United States Marine Corps, so I understand from a military side of things how important it is for an employer to support those soldiers and warriors. So, it's just an honor for me, not being in the military any longer, to still play an active role in supporting those that are," said Rickard.