The U.S. Department of Defense recently presented New Hanover County sheriff Ed McMahon with the Patriot Award.
 
The Patriot Award is given when an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, nominates individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family, according to the Department of Defense website.
 
The award reflects the efforts made to support military personnel through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed, a news release from the sheriff’s office stated.
 
The award ceremony was held at the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in late November, at which McMahon received the Patriot Award certificate and an accompanying lapel pin.