By John Pelose and MA Public Affairs Director Bill Napert, Jr. - Canton, MA January 16, 2013.
MAESGR Volunteer Ken Berkowitz, is also the Chief of Police of the Canton, MA Police Department. His police headquarters was the recent venue today for the presentation of a Patriot award to Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti. Volunteer and Eastern Area Chair John Pelose and John Bourne ventured to Chief Berkowitz’s station to present the honor to Sheriff Bellotti.
Sheriff Bellotti was nominated by Air Force Reserve Senior Airman and Deputy Sheriff Ronald E. Cunningham. Senior Airman Cunningham was very appreciative of the support shown to him for his military service by Sheriff Bellotti and the members of the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bellotti was very humbled to receive this important award and spoke highly of the men and women in his department who are members of the Guard and Reserve as well as the numerous veterans he employs.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. The MA ESGR has more than 45 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Warrior." On hand representing MA ESGR were Volunteer and Eastern Area Chair John Pelose, Ken Berkowitz and John Bourne. For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Picture (left to right) ESGR’s John Pelose; Chief Ken Berkowitz, Canton Police Department and ESGR Member; Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti; and MAESGR’s John Bourne.