Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Receives Patriot Award

A local law enforcement agency is receiving praise from the federal level.

The U.S. military on Wednesday presented the Patriot Award to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

The award recognizes an employer for its strong support of employees who serve the country.

"This came as a surprise," Sergeant Mark Stevens said. "We are truly thankful."

TCSO helps military families at home during a mission, and eases the deployed back into civilian life once they return.

The sheriff's office says that's the least it can do.

Stevens said he believes it is important for TCSO to respect its employees who are in the military.

"I think any employer should be willing and able to look out for their employees who are sick, ill or gone," Stevens said. " And in this case, they're gone to benefit us, to protect us."

There are a number of sheriff's office employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve force.