From left: Noblesville firefighters Tanner Howard, Luke Turner, Jim Butts, Mayor John Ditslear, Frank Green of Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ­Fire Chief Greg Wyant, Josh Small and Scott Hunter. Current and former members of the Armed Forces that also serve on the Noblesville Fire Department participated in the ceremony recognizing the city and Mayor Ditslear as a Patriotic Employer.

The City of Noblesville and Mayor John Ditslear were recently recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

Mayor Ditslear was nominated by Sgt. 1st Class James Butts, who serves in the Army National Guard and on the Noblesville Fire Department. In his nomination, Butts wrote:

“Mayor Ditslear, a Navy officer veteran himself, consistently demonstrates support of those in the Armed Forces. His staff has supported several employees on deployments by making up lost compensation and offering support to their families while the service member is gone. City employees also receive ample military leave. This all begins with Mayor Ditslear’s unwavering support of the Armed Forces.”

Frank Green of Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the City of Noblesville and Mayor Ditslear with the award. At the ceremony, they were joined by current and former members of the Armed Forces that also serve on the Noblesville Fire Department.

“While I truly appreciate Jim’s nomination and the city receiving this award, supporting our employees that answer the call to serve and make that sacrifice is easy,” said Ditslear. “It’s their steadfast service to our nation’s security and defense of our freedoms that takes courage. Their dedication is greatly appreciated and we will continue to support those employees and their families.”

The relationship between civilian employers and their military employees is extremely important. IESGR is led and operated by dedicated volunteers and staff whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve and developing initiatives to increase employment opportunities for military service members and veterans. For more information, visit www.esgr.mil.