August 13, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein received the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, August 11th.

A city release said 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. Wiebe praised the chief and department for accommodating his drill schedule and deployment in 2025, as well as for employing and supporting veterans and current Army and Air National Guard members.

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

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

For more information about the Patriot Award, go to: https://www.esgr.mil/