ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Paul firefighter and U.S. Air Force Reserve Capt. Ryan Burns, currently assigned as an Operations Officer for Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas East in Houston, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor, St. Paul Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Moriarty.

The award presentation was at the St. Paul Fire Department Headquarters recently in recognition of Chief Moriarty’s support of Burns’ service to the Air Force Reserve. Burns, as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA), for an organization that responds to short notice FEMA requests after natural disasters, noted that Chief Moriarty, despite the staffing issues triggered in an already stretched shift duty staff, always provides the highest level of support to his military service and commitments. Military training and experience bring value to the department’s work force and capabilities, and the seamless and no-issue way that Chief Moriarty does things like adjust schedules, cover shifts, and asks about the military duty upon the service member’s return, shows that he recognizes and supports that value.

In addition to Chief Moriarty, Burns called out District Chief Art Beaumeister, Squad 3 Captain Sam Breckenridge, and Chief of the Department Butch Inks for their support to current and future employees who are serving in the Reserve and Guard.

Inks, who is retired from the Air Force Reserve, made remarks to those attending the morning Chief’s meeting recognizing the essential nature of the Reserve and Guard and the St Paul Fire Department’s support of Reserve Component members. Chief Inks signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that support.

Also present was Christie Nixon, 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 helps 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.

Photo 1, left to right: Deputy Chief Dan Moriarty, ESGR Volunteer Christie Nixon, Firefighter Ryan Burns (Captain, US Air Force Reserve), St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks.

Photo 2, left to right: ESGR Volunteer Christie Nixon, St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks.

(Photos courtesy of Bridget Hajny, St. Paul Fire Department)