The city of Federal Way recognized Ryan Thomas, the city’s service water maintenance supervisor, with the Patriot Award during an all-employee meeting on Tuesday.

City employee Eric Fox, a National Guard Reservist, nominated Thomas for the Patriot Award.

An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors 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.

“From the time that I decided to enlist in the National Guard after a 10 year break in service, Ryan Thomas has been instrumental in supporting my decision to serve my community and country,” Fox wrote in his nomination. “You [supported] me through my deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to all of my drills, annual training, extra days off and now with the 2015 Washington State wildfire support.

“I know that it was very short notice, less than 24 hours, buy you were encouraging and supportive of this mission for our state. With no end date in sight, you only asked that I stay in contact and keep you in the loop. Each and every time that I called, you continued to encourage me and that things would continue to be covered at the City and that my mission was important.”

Fox said that Thomas has given him the opportunity to have a complete career and assist the citizens of Washington state.

“It is only with your support of the military that this could be accomplished,” Fox continued. “I, as well as my leadership, command and the state give to you a very sincere thank you.”