St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 Honored by Department of Defense

St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 Honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employees who Serve in the Louisiana National Guard and Reserve

Slidell, Louisiana – The Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Chief Hess of the St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 was honored with a “Seven Seals” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Louisiana National Guard and Reserve. The St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 also received a certificate of recognition as a Freedom Award Nominee for Exemplary Support of Guard and Reserve employees.

According to Jack Humphries, Louisiana ESGR State Chair, “The ESGR ‘Seven Seals’ Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Many employers provide “Above and Beyond” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Frank Huff, Program Support Specialist Louisiana Committee at (318) 290-5246.

National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 319, Arlington, VA 22209 800-336-4590  www.esgr.mil