State Treasurer Mike Freichs: ‘we did what we are supposed to do’ in Patriot Award acceptance speech

Posted on February 10, 2020
Michael Frerichs
Treasurer Mike Frerichs accepted the Patriot Award at the Capitol Friday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – An organization that salutes employers for being flexible enough to allow their employees to serve says Treasurer Mike Frerichs gets it.

“I think we just did what we are supposed to do,” Frerichs said in accepting the Patriot Award at the Capitol Friday. He was nominated by Sgt. Joe Daniels, and Frerichs says the combination of the two jobs – the treasurer’s office and the Guard – is apt.

“His work in cybersecurity has been immensely valuable in the treasurer’s office. We are tasked with protecting all kinds of information,” said Frerichs. “You’ve seen examples of data being hacked or lost. We have not had those stories here in the treasurer’s office.”

Daniels has served two tours in Afghanistan. And, in the twenty months he has worked for Frerichs, he’s served three stateside missions.

“I can tell you that, even though it should be the norm to have a boss that supports your mission as a citizen-soldier,” Daniels said, “it is not the norm.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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