IFD recieves ESGR award for support of Grissom Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dakota Bergl
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Chris Bauchle’s civilian employer, the Indianapolis Fire Department, is being awarded the 2017 Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award, in addition to being among the top 30 finalists for the 2017 ESGR Freedom Award.

Recipients of the Pro Patria have to demonstrate the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to Bauchle the IFD offers strong support for military members to make performing their military duties as easy as possible.

“IFD bends over backwards to support its guard and reservists,” said Bauchle. “For instance, receiving time-off for any type of deployment is as easy as sending a single email. Then, the department backfills the military member’s position with overtime or roving firefighters while continuing employer pension and insurance contributions.”

Bauchle said the IFD and its command staff has gone above and beyond to show their support of military members for many years across many deployments.

“Over the past 15 years, IFD has whole-heartedly supported 67 military activations,” he said. “As if that wasn’t enough, in June of this year, Ernest Malone, IFD Chief, signed the ESGR Statement of Support alongside Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. Military members and the entire command staff were in attendance to witness the department’s public display of support and encouragement for its 24 active guard and reservists. A framed copy of the signed Statement of Support can now be found on display in all 43 IFD fire stations.”

In a press release regarding the award Malone expressed the importance of supporting their military members and said he is always impressed by their commitment.

“The Indianapolis Fire Department fully supports and is thankful for the selfless service offered by our firefighters who also serve as military personnel,” said Malone. “I have witnessed, and am in awe of their commitment to the greater good for all of us. Veterans embrace and live out values such as courage, commitment, compassion, integrity, honor and respect. Our department’s debt to them is one we can never truly repay. We are honored to have our efforts recognized at the highest state level not because we want the recognition but because our service members deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work.”

Bauchle said he believes the IFD should be held up as the highest standard for employer support which other companies should try to emulate.

“I truly believe the IFD embodies the gold standard for a public organization’s support of the guard and reserve,” he said. “Its military policies are exceptionally flexible and compensation packages far exceed the mandates of The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The IFD takes great pride in their military members and capitalizes on every opportunity to recognize each member and their families. The IFD has indisputably empowered my continuous military service and has, without doubt, had a direct and positive impact furthering the mission of Grissom and the United States Armed Forces.”

The department was awarded the Indiana ESGR Above and Beyond Award in 2009 and 2013. The department received numerous nominations for the Patriot Award in 2008, 2010, and 2012. The IFD was also awarded a formal Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2011 and has been an eager participant in the ESGR Boss Lift Program.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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