HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The City of Harker Heights has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for providing employment opportunities to veterans through the HIRE Vets Act, the only federal award program that recognizes employers that are able to successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
The city was recognized during a virtual award ceremony by the U.S. Department of Labor alongside 839 other companies that received the award from 49 other states and the District of Columbia.
There are different awards for employers of different sizes, based on the number of employees within that company. Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold, which can also be earned. The City of Harker Heights earned the gold award after applying for it earlier in the year.
"The City of Harker Heights has a dedication to not only hiring veterans but also providing them with long-term career development opportunities that utilize the unique skills they gained during their military service. The City has a goal to mentor and grow internal employees; which includes veterans and non-veterans, to become leaders among all departments of the City" the city said in a press release. "Our employees are nominated to attend various programs, such as the Tony Korioth Supervisor Academy, Vision XXI Harker Heights Leadership Program, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, and variety of internal and external leadership classes. As of December 31, 2023, 26% of City of Harker Heights employees were veterans and 11% of employees were veterans who were in leadership positions, primarily in the Police and Fire Department."
According to a press release from the city, over 1.600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2019.