Mayor Taveras Pledges Support to Providence Employees Who Serve in National Guard and Reserves

Employees of the City of Providence who serve in the National Guard and Reserves and their families joined Mayor Taveras in his office today as the Mayor formally signed a statement of support pledging to honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and encourage other employers to make a commitment to support members of the uniformed services.

The USERRA is a federal law that protects those who serve in the Reserves, National Guard or other uniformed services against losing their civilian jobs or being discriminated against in their employment because of their military service.

"We are all deeply thankful for the sacrifices of our nation's men and women in uniform, and we are mindful of the sacrifices their families make," said Mayor Taveras. "We need to provide our service members with as much support as we can, and employers should play a big role in that effort. I am signing a Statement of Support today that honors the service of those Providence City workers, including a number of our police and firefighters, who give their time to serve not only our city but also our country."

Major General Kevin McBride of the Rhode Island National Guard and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mathies Santos of the Rhode Island National Guard also attended the Mayor's signing ceremony, along Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements and Chief Michael Dillon of the Providence Fire Department, and Rhode Island ESGR Program Managers Captain Brian Lafauci and Ariana McNeil.