Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Honors Hendersonville Police Department with Prestigious Freedom Award

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Hendersonville, Tennessee, to present the 2025 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to the Hendersonville Police Department (HPD).

 

This esteemed award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers who demonstrate outstanding support for their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

 

During the ceremony at Hendersonville City Hall, Secretary Hegseth, a former National Guardsman with personal ties to Tennessee, expressed his deep appreciation for the department's commitment.

 

He emphasized the importance of recognizing true heroes within our communities, stating, "If you want to look for heroes... just look around this room."

 

He commended the 15 HPD officers who balance their full-time law enforcement duties with part-time military service, highlighting their dedication as the foundation of the nation's freedom.

 

In his address, Hegseth assured the department of unwavering support from the highest levels of government, including President Donald J. Trump.

 

He noted that such backing empowers officers to perform their duties effectively, knowing they have the full support of their leadership.

 

He also acknowledged the role of ESGR in providing macro-level support to service members and their families.

 

Concluding his remarks, Hegseth thanked the HPD for their dual commitment to community safety and national defense.

 

He emphasized the responsibility of leadership to ensure that service members are well-supported and safely returned home.

 

The ESGR Freedom Award program, initiated in 1996, has honored 370 organizations to date.

 

In addition to the HPD, 14 other organizations received the award in 2025, including Cox Enterprises in Atlanta and GE Aerospace in West Chester, Ohio.

 

This recognition comes at a pivotal time for the HPD.

 

Earlier this year, the department faced staffing challenges, with 15 vacancies reported in August 2025.

 

City officials have been actively addressing these issues, implementing sign-on bonuses and considering salary adjustments to attract and retain qualified officers.

 

Furthermore, the HPD achieved its third accreditation from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program in February 2025, underscoring its commitment to professionalism and excellence in law enforcement.

 

The department's dedication to both community service and support for military personnel exemplifies the values that the ESGR Freedom Award seeks to honor.

 

As Secretary Hegseth aptly stated, the HPD's actions demonstrate a profound commitment to service at all levels, ensuring that both the community and the nation are well-protected.