PITTSFIELD, MA. May 12, 2010. There was a light rain when two MAESGR members travelled to the beautiful Berkshires in Western Massachusetts to present a Patriot Award to James Sullivan, the recently retired Chief of the Pittsfield Fire Department. Mr. Sullivan was Chief when firefighter Jeremy Healy nominated him for this award. Firefighter Healy is also Sergeant (SGT) Healy in the U. S. Army Reserve. The Pittsfield Fire Department was represented by Deputy Chief Keith Phillips, standing in for the new Chief Robert Czerwinski, and about 30 fire department employees from the department headquarters and various sub-stations. SGT Healy was unavailable to attend due to a military commitment, but he was well represented by family members. His mother, father and cousin presented the Patriot Award to Chief Sullivan on Jeremy's behalf. Jeremy's father, Paul, and cousin, Josh, are also Pittsfield Firefighters. This award ceremony occurred on a special day for SGT Healy's parents, it was Ruth and Paul Healy-s thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. 

 Ruth and Paul Healy stated how thankful their son was to have all the support he has received from Chief Sullivan and the entire Pittsfield Fire Department. It has allowed him to focus on his military duties when he's in uniform. Chief Sullivan said the award should go to all department members as they are the ones who make it happen.  

The National Committee for 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 USERRA law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 40 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Western MA Chair and Ombudsman Director Earl Bonett and Staff Member Bill Hebert. 

 

 

 

 Left to Right: Earl Bonett, Paul Healy, Retired Chief James Sullivan, Ruth Healy, Josh Healy and Deputy Chief  Keith Phillips

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 Retired Chief James Sullivan surrounded by members of the Pittsfield Fire Department _______________________________________________________________________________

  

If you would join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, call the MA Committee for ESGR at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil