SYRACUSE -- Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler was recognized this morning for his support of Syracuse Police serving in the National Guard and Reserves.

"I think I was one of the few that was deployed in modern day warfare from the SYPD. I've experienced that, and know what it is like to be on both ends of that. So we have to take care of those who take care of us each and every day."

Four Syracuse Police officers are currently deployed overseas. One of those officers, Marine Lt. Col. Erick Ingram, was able to watch today's award ceremony via Skype from Afghanistan.

"In any combat situation today half the troops will be from the Reserve and National Guard component, which means they come from public and private employers, and we'd like to be able to support those who support the troops," says Frank O’Connor, of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Chief Fowler, a former Army Reservist who deployed to the first Gulf War, was awarded the Patriotic Employer Award at the department’s morning meeting.

The award recognizes Chief Fowler’s efforts to support deployed troops from the department when they return back to work.