When the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) told its story to the annual meeting of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police last week in Bowling Green, it received a resounding response: 16 Police Departments from around the Commonwealth signed ESGR Statements of Support.

    “This is another reflection of the outstanding support that our Reserve and Guard personnel get from employers in Kentucky,” said Jim Papovich a Louisville hotelier and a regional volunteer director with ESGR. “It is very important to our effort in Kentucky to receive such a high level of support from such a respected part of our communities.”

    The Statement of Support confirms that these police departments join other employers in pledging that:

•    They fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
•    Their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
•    They will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

    “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, these police departments stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation,” said Papovich.

    Several other organizations at the meeting also signed Statements of Support.

    Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 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 law, and resolving conflicts through informal mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

    As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil.