BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award was presented to the Brooklyn Center Police Department by ESGR Committee Member Bob Adams March 20 at the Brooklyn Center Police Department in recognition of the department's outstanding support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves.
Receiving the award on behalf of the city was Interim Chief of Police Tony Gruenig. Also present among the many members of the police department was Police Commander Richard Gabler, who assisted in the presentation.
This award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. This award will be given to only 30 businesses this year, from hundreds of Patriot Award nominations received in Minnesota, that have honored their employees’ service in the United States military by providing assistance or benefits that go beyond the minimum required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).
The Brooklyn Center Police Department has been praised by its military service members for assisting them in their scheduling for both personal and military issues. Brooklyn Center police supervisors have confirmed their commitment to assist military employees with managing their police employment with their military duties.
ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates over 51 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil. Photo left to right: Bob Adams ESGR, Tony Gruenig, Brooklyn Center Police Department Interim Chief of Police, Richard Gabler, Brooklyn Center Police Commander (Photo courtesy of Megan Braun, Hennepin County Community Police Liaison)