Recognition for support of military employees
Buffalo’s Fire Department Chief Harnois receives the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award
Sgt. Ryan Wilson, Minnesota Army National Guard, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Buffalo Minnesota Fire Department Chief John Harnois. The award was given on January 2, 2024, at the main Buffalo fire station in recognition of Chief Harnois’s support of his employee’s service to the Minnesota National Guard.
Sgt. Wilson was very appreciative of Chief Harnois’s support and assistance with his military service and Guard deployments and wanted to honor Chief Harnois. Sgt. Wilson stated regarding Chief Harnois, “I am incredibly fortunate to have a Chief who understands the sacrifices I make as an active-duty military member and provides unwavering support. He accommodates extra training days on my military days off and has allowed me to attend trainings outside the Buffalo Fire Department so that I can stay current. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive Chief who recognizes the importance of my active-duty military role and provides that kind of flexible arrangements that allow me to fulfill my military duties without compromising my professional responsibilities. I’m inspired by a Chief who sees my military service as an asset and consistently encourages my growth and development, both as a servicemember and as a firefighter.”
The presentation occurred in front of the entire fire department staff. Some of the firemen who are soldiers, or a veteran proudly stood in the award photo below with Chief Harnois.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or the spouse of a National Guard or Military Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriot Award for support provided directly to the nominating Servicemember and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Chief Harnois signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the Buffalo Fire Department 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.
“I was surprised to hear about the award. It was very nice of Ryan to do this,” stated Chief Harnois. “The award has my name in it, but the award should go to everyone on the fire department. Everyone has been very supportive of Ryan. We have a great group of firefighters, and they are helping each other all the time. If one of our firefighters need help with anything, all they need to do is ask, and there will be a group ready to lend a hand. It sure is easy to be proud of our firefighters.”
Also present was Robert Adams, an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member. 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 50 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.
