East Pierce Fire and Rescue Fire on Tuesday received a Patriot Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) during the monthly fire commissioner’s meeting.

The award was presented to East Pierce Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson and the Board of Fire Commissioners by ESGR Employer Outreach Coordinator for Washington State Arlo Bower.

The award program, established in 1972, recognizes employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify when they practice leadership and personnel policies supporting employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.

“The Reserve Corp is not the weekend warriors of the past,” Bower said. “Forty-eight percent of the armed forces are members of the Reserve or National Guard.”

Bower also noted that those men and women would not be able to serve their country without the support of their employers. The Patriot Award provides an opportunity to recognize the organizations that support these soldiers.

East Pierce Firefighter-paramedic Joe Worley, who nominated the department for the honor, told the commissioners that he has never had an employer with such a generous leave policy. As a first sergeant in the Oregon Army National Guard, he is required to report for two weeks military service each year, in addition to monthly exercises.

Because of the high level of commitment of active duty forces, reserve forces have been integrated on a greater scale than ever before in the regular rotations of forces for regional peacekeeping. The Guard is extensively used at home during disaster responses.

“The demands on the Reserves are a lot higher,” Worley said.

Employers are required by law to allow time off for military service. However, they are not required to continue to pay the employee or hold the same job when he or she returns.

“East Pierce goes above and beyond that. It makes it so much easier. It relieves a burden for me,” Worley said.

“East Pierce Fire and Rescue is pleased to receive this prestigious award,” Thorson said.

“We proudly support all of our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness,” he said. “We are proud of our men and women who serve our country and we will support them any way we can.”

The Patriot Award will be displayed on the Wall of Honor in the lobby of the headquarters’ fire station in Bonney Lake, alongside photos of the firefighters who served, past and present, in the military.