Rochester Receives Patriot Award

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The Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced today that Mayor Ardell Brede and the City of Rochester will be presented a Patriot Award in recognition of support for its employees who serve in the MN National Guard and Reserve.

The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve. Colonel Eric Kerska, who works for the Rochester Fire Department, nominated Mayor Brede and the City of Rochester for their outstanding support of him while he was deployed to Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1^st Brigade Combat Team.. Also being recognized for their support of Colonel Kerska is Retired Fire Chief David Kapler, Acting Fire chief Dan Slavin, Battalion Chief Charles Hermann, Fire Department Secretary Teresa Wegner and Deb Coyle with the City’s Human Resource Department.

Mayor Ardell Brede will also be signing a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve during this ceremony. By signing this Statement of Support the City of Rochester is sending a clear message to the employees of the City that while they’re serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.

ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs or other ESGR programs is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling the Minnesota State office at 1-888-234-1274.