Brighton DPW commissioner honored

Tim Keef, Brighton commissioner of Public Works, on Tuesday received the “Patriot Award” for his support of members of the Reserve component of the nation’s armed forces.

The award, presented by Brighton Councilman Jim Vogel, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, is given to employers by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

The presentation was at noon at Brighton Town Hall.

Keef was nominated by Brad Giddings, a member of the Army Reserve and employee of the Brighton Highway Department.

“The town of Brighton has always worked with me on time off for military duty,” Giddings says in his nominating statement. “They never question when I have to go, all they need is proof of my obligation. Unlike other jobs, they pay me when I’m gone, up to 30 days per year. It is a great place to work and they always respect the fact that I am in the Army Reserves.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that works to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

The nation’s National Guard members and Reserve forces from all branches of the military spend time away from the workplace training to maintain their mission readiness and supporting a demanding operations tempo to defend the nation. Civilian employers play a critical role by complying with existing employment laws protecting the rights of workers who serve in the Reserves.