Watertown PD given an award from South Dakota National Guard

February 9, 2023

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) presented several awards during its annual Dining Out at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre on February 2nd.

One of them went to the Watertown Police Department.

The annual event brings together National Guard members from across the state for a formal evening to honor the organization’s history and to recognize individual achievements from the past year.

The event keynote speakers, Gov. Kristi Noem and Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, SDNG Adjutant General, presented the awards.

The Watertown Police Department was awarded the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to one South Dakota employer who provides exceptional support to national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Sgt. Austin Mattson, who works as a patrol officer, nominated his employer for the award. Austin is currently deployed with the 191st Military Police Company.

The staff at the Watertown Police Department recognized that they could do more assist soldiers and their families navigate through the challenges associated with deployments. They implemented processes to ensure the soldier has a smooth transition from a civilian to a military role and back.