Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that two officers of the Barnstead, New Hampshire Fire & Rescue were honored with “Patriot Awards” in recognition of their extraordinary support of their employee, Sergeant Harold Arey, who serves in the Individual Ready Reserve of the United States Marine Corps.

According to Jim Goss, NH’s ESGR Executive Director, who made the presentations, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Chief George Krause and Captain Mary Reed were nominated by their Reserve Component employee for being highly supportive.  Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

In accepting this award, Chief Krause stated “It’s the very least we can do to show our support of those who serve in today’s armed forces.  It would be hard for me to believe than any employer would not show the same level of support”.  Captain Reed added “Speaking from a Navy Mom’s point of view, we take good care of him”.
Barnstead Fire and Rescue is a group of dedicated individuals proudly providing emergency services to the residents and business owners of the local community.  Currently, they have eight (8) Officers, six (6) full-time staff members and several per diem staff members as well as twenty-eight (28) call members.  Their mission is to provide the highest level of service to protect life, property and the environment through efficient and effective responses to all calls for assistance, including fire, medical, rescue and hazardous materials emergencies.  These services are delivered 24-hours-a-day by highly trained professionals, both volunteer and career, who serve with excellence, dedication and pride.

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 provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the NH ESGR Committee at (603) 225-1892 or
(603) 225-1342.