(FAIRFAX, Va.) - The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, announced that Chief Larry J. Grorud, President, Mr. Mark Light, Executive Director, of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the IAFC Board of Directors signed Statements of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on January 23, 2009.     
The International Association of Fire Chiefs joins with thousands of America’s employers in pledging: 

• To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 

• To assure their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

• To continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it,” said Hall. “The first responder employer segment is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country. I am asking all of America’s public employers to re-affirm that their current human resources policies are a leading example of compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).”

“In addition to signing on behalf of the IAFC, Chief Grorud is challenging all IAFC member fire chiefs and EMS managers to join with him and the IAFC Board of Directors in signing Statements of Support to publicly honor their employees who serve their communities and our nation in the National Guard and Reserve,” added Hall.

Mr. Mark Light underscored his support as Executive Director of the IAFC, which employs approximately 75 people.  “I believe strongly in supporting our employees’ service in the National Guard and Reserve and also recognize the important contribution our member fire chiefs make as employers of those serving our country in this capacity,” said Mark W.  Light.  “We are proud to provide this support to them and to endorse the principles of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.”

“We understand the solemn duty of serving our communities and nation, and we support National Guardsmen and Reservists,” said the IAFC’s President for 2008-2009, Chief Larry J. Grorud (Janesville, Wisconsin Fire Department).  “As employers we have the responsibility to support their service to their country. I call on all fire chiefs to join me in publicly expressing this support for the brave men and women who have chosen the National Guard and Reserve.”

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is the voice of fire and emergency service leaders around the world. Established in 1873, the IAFC is a powerful network of nearly 13,000 chief fire and emergency service officers who are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials, natural disasters, search and rescue, and fire prevention and education.

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 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 America’s citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, of the National ESGR Committee, at 703-696-1386, or email tom.bullock@osd.mil.