Ithaca, N.Y. (WENY) -- The City of Ithaca Fire Department received an award on Tuesday, April 10 from the Department of Defense, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Unite States Army Reserve for their dedication and support to soldiers employed by the Ithaca Fire Department. 

Fire Chief Tom Parsons and Assistant Chief Robert Covert accepted the Patriotic Employer Award, which was presented at the Ithaca Central Fire Station, from Captain Don Oeschlin of Delta Co 2-389 98th Division and Ithaca Firefighter and Army Staff Sergeant Russell Vidler. 

The Patriotic Employer Award is given by U.S. Army Reserve soldiers to recognize their employers who have gone above and beyond in their support of employees who also serve in the military. Firefighter Vidler put his IFD chiefs up for the award. 

In a statement, the Ithaca Fire Department said, "The Ithaca Fire Department is proud of its members who serve in the U.S. Military, both past and present, and are thankful for this honor and award from another group of great men and women who serve their community and country."