PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that a Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 29 recently received an Above and Beyond Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The Above and Beyond Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits. The 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 or agree to sign an ESGR Statement of Support.

Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with an Above and Beyond Award for their strong and unwavering support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 29 was nominated for Above and Beyond Award by Staff Sgt. Tom Marvin who is a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Battalion stationed in Riversdale, New Jersey.

In nominating of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Engine 29, Staff Sgt. Marvin stated: “All my company officers are more than supportive of my military service. They made sure my job was secure for my homecoming after a year in Iraq. They regularly checked in on me while I was overseas, they sent care packages and stayed in touch to be sure I was doing well, and they even helped me obtain an application in for the department’s technical rescue school even though I had no access to my city email. The guys and leaders at my station are true patriots and brothers.”

Pennsylvania Southeast Area Chair Wesley Craig presented the Above and Beyond Award to and commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.” Craig added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Philadelphia Fire Department’s Engine 29 were Capt. Ryan Hill and Lt. Anton Jarkowsky.

In addition to presenting the Seven Seals Awards, Craig obtained a Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms that the company joins other employers in pledging:
• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 29 joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Craig added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 29 is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Craig. “I am asking all Southeast Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.”

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, a global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/PA

Photo (L-R): Lt. Jarkowsky, Craig, Capt. Hill, and Staff Sgt. Tom Marvin