DAYTON, Minn. – U. S. Army Reserve Capt. David Johnson nominated his employment supervisor Dayton Minnesota Police Department Chief Paul Enga for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award.
Johnson is deployed overseas but was able to participate in the award ceremony via an internet connection. The award was given by Bob Adams, an ESGR Committee member, May 22 at the Dayton Police Department in recognition of Chief Enga's support of his employee's service to the Army Reserve.
“This mobilization was last minute with 60 days' notice which was a burden to both myself and my agency,” said Johnson. “Within this short period of time my Chief had numerous meetings with the city council who made the decision to go above and beyond in supporting my deployment. The Chief coordinated with the council who made the decision to continue to contribute to my deferred compensation retirement account each month while I am gone and to buy my PERA retirement time back once I return. They also are allowing me to still accrue vacation time while I am gone and use it for extra pay if I would like. The deferred compensation retirement account is separate from the PERA system and is not required to be contributed to when I am deployed. These benefits are not required and typically are not offered; Most service members have to buy their own time back.”
Johnson went on to say, “They also continued to provide my medical insurance coverage at the same cost as if I was still working full time ($0 out of pocket). The department as a whole has been very supportive to both me and my family; They continue to reach out on a regular basis to ensure my family is being taken care of. Additionally, my department has continuously communicated with me while I am here to check on my wellbeing. They have involved me in their conversations with department related planning and updates. They have also continuously communicated with my wife, checking on her wellbeing and even dropping off home cooked food every other week.”
An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or the spouse of a National Guard or Military Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriot Award for support provided directly to the nominating Servicemember and his or her family.
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Chief Enga signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the city joins other employers in pledging:
On behalf of the City of Dayton, Police Lt. Greg Burstad stated: “The Dayton Police Department has employed several current and former military members over the years. These officers brought many skills with them that they learned in their military training and careers. Military members and Veterans are extensively trained in ways that promote teamwork. In some cases, their survival depends on teamwork. No matter what branch they serve or have served in, teamwork is an integral part of training. This training also teaches them to be good communicators. They learn to be very clear and concise in their speaking and learn to be very efficient in their message.
Burstad went on to say, “Military members and Veterans are trained to be leaders. No matter what their rank, branch, location, they all receive that training. Many of them become leaders at a very young age starting as a squad leader and promoting through the ranks. The leadership training and schooling provided to those who achieve a higher rank can be a valuable resource to the agency that hires them. You will also find that many of these members are leaders in attitude as well. They learn to work with what they have and to power through whatever the situation requires. The military members and Veterans that have been part of the Dayton Police Department have come from several different branches with training in different areas. Even if they were not trained as a military police officer, their training still provided skills as a leader, a communicator, in teamwork and possibly experience in handling crisis situations. Hiring someone who has all those things on day one is something that is priceless to a police department, especially the Dayton Police Department.”
Also present was Zach Doud, Dayton City Administrator, and much of the staff and officers of the Dayton Police Department.
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 provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. ESGR celebrates over 51 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: Zach Doud holding the computer with Cpt. David Johnson attending, Chief Paul Enga, and Bob Adams ESGR. (Photo courtesy of Kelsey Montgomery Dayton Public Works Administration Assistant)
Photo 2: Chief Paul Enga signing ESGR Statement of Support. (Photo courtesy of Bob Adams ESGR)
Photo 3: Dayton Police Officers present at Award Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Kelsey Montgomery Dayton Public Works Administration Assistant)