The Ithaca Fire Department received an award from the Department of Defense, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the United States Army Reserve for its support to soldiers employed within the fire department.
Russell Vidler, an Ithaca firefighter and Army staff sergeant, and Capt. Don Oeschlin, of Delta Co 2-389 98th Division, presented the award to Fire Chief Tom Parsons and Assistant Chief Robert Covert on Tuesday at the Ithaca Central Fire Station. The "Patriotic Employer" award is an opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve soldiers to recognize their employers for going above and beyond in supporting employees who are also serving in the military. Vidler nominated his fire chiefs for the recognition.