HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 105.03 NEW 10-2013_Honor GuardEffective. 10/5nm
Revised:
Replaces:
105.03 — Honor Guard
I. Guiding Philosophy
We honor the contributions of First Responders and other individuals or groups who are
dedicated to community service. The Honor Guard represents the integrity and tradition of the
fire services' paramilitary roots by honoring these contributors with the highest levels of dignity
and respect.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to communicate the standards and processes associated with
the department's Honor Guard.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Communicate the organization and general expectations for Honor Guard
members.
B. Detail the selection process, and standards for maintenance of team membership.
C. Address Honor Guard uniform requirements and responsibilities.
IV. Definitions
A. Co -Leader — Member of the Honor Guard that is appointed by the Team Leader
to assist the Team Leader in his/her duties.
B. Depreciated Cost — Equals (Purchase price/5 years) x (5 years — Current age of
uniform in years)
C. Honor Guard — Team of officers who are dedicated to giving back to the
department and community, and to honoring the important contributions of First
Responders through their service at department or other special events.
D. Team Leader — Member of the team that is appointed by the Chief of the
department to organize, lead, train, and set expectations for the team.
V. Honor Guard Organization & General Expectations
A. The Honor Guard will consist of a team of 10 appointed members, including the
Team Leader.
B. Honor Guard members will make every effort to be available for requested
events. Events can include department -sponsored functions, funerals, or requests
from outside the department for special events.
C. The Team Leader will maintain a listing of all Honor Guard events, including
members who participated, members who did not, and each individual's reason
for non -participation.
VI. Selection Process & Maintenance of Membership
A. Appointment Criteria
1. Honor Guard members must have a minimum of two years of service in
the department to be considered for appointment.
2. Preference will be given to members with marching/drill experience, no
record of disciplinary issues, and/or persons who consistently exhibit a
professional appearance and attitude.
B. Filling Available Positions
1. Individuals may send in email requests for consideration to the Honor
Guard Team Leader at any time if they are interested in being nominated
to the team, or to serve in an emergency fill-in capacity only.
2. Whenever an opening occurs on the team, the Team Leader will send an
email to all department personnel advising of the opening.
3. Interested persons should email the Team Leader directly with their
request for nomination, including relevant experience or commendations
in support of his/her request.
4. The Team Leader will consult with the Honor Guard members and will
use the information submitted in the email requests to recommend
appointment of new members.
5. The Team Leader will forward his/her recommendation through his/her
chain of command via email (be sure to copy the immediate supervisor
of the person beim nominated). Subsequent supervisors will either
concur with the recommendations or list his/her objections in the email
thread.
6. The Fire Chief will review the nomination and feedback from the chain
of command, and communicate a final disposition via email.
C. Standards for Maintenance of Honor Guard Membership
1. All members must perform the required drill skills and flag and tool
techniques at a professional military etiquette quality with a sharp
attention to detail to perform publicly.
2. All guard members must cross train and be proficient on all positions.
3. If a team member misses three consecutive requested events, his/her
appointment status will be reviewed by the Team Leader for possible
probation or removal from the team for lack of team support due to
inconsistent availability.
4. Members who receive disciplinary action at the level of suspension or
demotion will be reviewed by the Team Leader for possible probation or
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removal from the team for conduct unbecoming an Honor Guard
member.
D. Probation, Removal and Re -Application
1. Members not meeting the required standards will be placed on probation
for a minimum of six weeks.
2. Members on probation for inability to meet performance standards will
be given one opportunity to perform the required skills at the conclusion
of the probationary period. Should the member not be able to meet the
standard at this time, he/she will be removed from the team.
3. The Team Leader will forward his/her recommendation for removal
through his/her chain of command via email. Subsequent supervisors
will either concur with the recommendations or list his/her objections in
the email thread.
4. The Fire Chief will review the nomination and feedback from the chain
of command, and communicate a final disposition via email.
5. Persons removed from the Honor Guard for any reason will remain
ineligible to reapply for minimum of three years.
VII. Uniform Requirements and Responsibilities
A. The department will provide Honor Guard uniforms and associated equipment for
use by team members only. Therefore, when a team member resigns or is
removed from the team, he/she will be required to turn in any issued Honor Guard
items immediately.
B. All members are personally responsible for maintaining their gear in an
outstanding manner, as ceremonial duty may occur on short notice at any time.
1. Uniforms must be kept cleaned and pressed at all times.
2. Footwear must be kept cleaned and polished.
3. No duty gear will be stored soiled or unkempt.
4. Damage or severely premature wear to the gear will be the responsibility
of the person to whom it was issued.
5. Un -repairable gear must be reported to the Team Leader immediately.
6. Replacement gear is the financial responsibility of the member unless
deemed otherwise by the Team Leader and chain of command.
C. If a current or ex -team member turns in an Honor Guard uniform that is less than
5 years old, and the uniform had been ordered specifically for that person, then
he/she will be required to reimburse the department the depreciated cost of the
uniform.
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