Roseburg Police Chief Receives Patriot Award

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein has been recognized for his support of employees who serve in the military.

Klopfenstein received the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Department of Defense award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support to employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

Roseburg Police Officer Derek Wiebe, who serves in the Army National Guard, nominated Klopfenstein for the award.

In his nomination, Wiebe credited Klopfenstein and the Roseburg Police Department for working around his military obligations, including his drill schedule and a deployment in 2025. He also highlighted the department's support for veterans and employees currently serving in the Army and Air National Guard.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to work under the chief, who is accommodating and supportive of my role in the Army National Guard,” Wiebe wrote.

Klopfenstein said the recognition reflects the department's commitment to supporting employees who serve.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Klopfenstein said. “We fully support our veterans and employees who serve in the National Guard.”

The Patriot Award is presented through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program that works to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers.

More information about the Patriot Award is available through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at esgr.mil.