Twin Lakes village administrator David Cox and police Chief Dale Racer were recognized for their support of the National Guard at a ceremony Thursday at the police station.
Cox and Racer received their awards from Col. (retired) Mike Williams representing the U.S. Defense Department’s Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve program.
Cox and Racer were recognized for their support of police Lt. Dennis Linn, a Army National Guard member, and member of the village police force. Linn nominated the pair for the reward.
Linn, a drill sergeant attached to an infantry unit based out of Milwaukee, said the village has always been very supportive of the time he needs to spend fulfilling his National Guard duties.
“They keep it easy for me,” Linn said. “I don’t have to worry if I have Army this week or whatever.”
Perhaps the ultimate show of support came a few years ago when Linn, then a police officer, was deployed in active duty for two years. Besides keeping his job open for him upon his return, the Village Board allowed his family to continue to carry insurance under the village’s plan.
“We are fortunate to live in a community willing to help,” Cox said. “It’s been a symbiotic relationship. I think it’s worked well for all of us.”
Said Racer, “As a former reservist I think I can relate. We’re just proud of him serving his country.”
Williams said about 50 such presentations are made in a typical year in Wisconsin, though it is unusual for two people to be recognized at one employer.
Linn’s nominations of Cox and Racer will now be considered for additional recognition at the state level, and potentially, nationally.
