CAMBRIDGE MA. 16 March, 2009. with Harvard University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities of the United States as a backdrop, Chief Gerald Reardon, head of The Cambridge Fire Department accepted ESGR's Above and Beyond Award. The fire department was given the award for their outstanding support of military member personnel, most of whom have served in the Global War On Terror. Chief Reardon had long before 9/11 established personnel policies which provided for unlimited full pay compensation for department employees on extended active duty with the military. What set the Chief apart and made him truly exceptional was that he did this inside of his budget. An early supporter of "Red Shirt Fridays", Chief Reardon went the extra step in embossing the shirts of personnel who are veterans of military service with the insignia of their particular branch adding to their pride and professionalism.

Chief Reardon has attended various MAESGR activities, has signed a Statement of Support, and had previously received a Patriotic Employer Award. The Massachusetts Committee is very pleased that the Cambridge Fire Department has been selected as the Massachusetts Nominee for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for 2009 in the public sector category. This great department has also been selected to receive the Pro Patria Award as well.

The Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MAESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA Law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 32 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Program Support Specialist, Mr. Dave St. Germain, Awards Director, Mr. Roger Fortin and Area Chair for Southeastern Ma and Ombudsman Mr. Joachim-Ingo Borowski.