Camp Ripley Minn. - The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award was presented to the North Branch Police Department by Colonel Troy Fink, Base Commander of Camp Ripley, on behalf of ESGR on April 11, 2025 at the Educational Center of the Camp Ripley National Guard Facility in recognition of North Branch Police Department's outstanding support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves. Receiving the award on behalf of the employer was Police Chief Dan Meyer. Also present was Jack Grams ESGR, Police Sgt. David Janssen, Staff Sgt. Duane Southworth US Army National Guard and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett. There was a large group of ESGR volunteers, Employers and military personnel present in the event also.

Minnesota Air National Guard’s citizen Soldier, Staff Sgt. Duane Southworth nominated his employer, North Branch Police Department. Southworth, “In my 11 months of working for North Branch Police Department, "I have been gone for approximately two months due to military requirements. North Branch Police Department is a small law enforcement agency, and being away for training causes many scheduling headaches and demands from my co-workers. The North Branch Police Department has been supportive of my military service and continues to encourage me to take on more opportunities and training, knowing the heavy demand that comes with me being away. I believe the North Branch Police Department is worthy of this award for the continuous sacrifices and encourage they provide to me and the 148th Fighter Wing.”

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).

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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Jack Grams ESGR, Police Sgt. David Janssen, Chief Dan Meyer, Col. Troy Fink, Staff Sgt. Duane Southworth, and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett.
(Photo courtesy of Larry Helsene ESGR)