Framingham, Massachusetts was the site of a exciting ESGR event on Friday, March 7, 2008.  Headquarters of the Framingham Fire Department was the site of a presentation of the Above & Beyond Award to the Department for outstanding support of the military member workforce over a long period time.  Differential pay compensation for mobilized military employees, continuation of benefits, preference for hiring military,  family support, reaching out to veterans groups plus assistance to the local National Guard Armory are just a very small percentage of the wonderful things that the Framingham Fire Department accomplishes daily.  In addition, A Statement of Support was signed by Chief Ollie D. Gadson.  The actions of the Department became know to ESGR through an initial Patriot Award nomination by military member employee Will Gingras, after talking with leadership and additional employees, it was evident that the FFD was certainly qualified for the Above & Beyond Award.  In attendance, along with Chief Gadson, were Deputy Chief John C. Magri,  more than twenty Framingham Fire Department personnel, many on their off duty time, all department military member employees, five personnel from the local National Guard Armory, several media outlets, and both the Town Administrator and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Framingham.

Representing Massachusetts ESGR were David St. Germain and Chairman Ken Forchielli, who used the occasion to announce that the Framingham Fire Department had been selected by the Committee as this years public sector nominee for the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for 2008.