In
May, 2003, Doug Feltman, Chief of Public Safety, proposed the
concept of an Honor Guard for the Department. Jerry Fradet,
Communications Specialist, was chosen to form and command the
team.
The
purpose of the Honor Guard Section is to serve those who served. The
Honor Guard Section is proud and honored to have had its first actual
event at the 9-11 remembrance ceremony in 2003 honoring fallen
Firefighters, Police Officers and citizens who lost their lives in the
terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The Honor Guard Section and
its members take part in the posting and retiring of Colors at meetings,
sporting events, conferences and conventions. The Honor Guard also leads
community parades. The Honor Guard can be used for most community
functions with the approval of the Chief of Public Safety.
In December of 2004, the Honor Guard
Section was asked to assist the VFW and American Legion in firing
details for military funerals due to declining membership in these
organizations.
The
original team members consist of firefighters Rob Parker and Ben
VandenHoek and patrol officers, Mike Koster and Mike Kane. In the fall
of 2003, patrol officer Dean Knippling and firefighter, Dan Carlson were
added to the team. Ryan Titze joined the honor guard in September
2007.
Due to the unique nature of the
Department of Public Safety, it was decided to blend the traditions of
Police and Fire Divisions. This is achieved by differing the uniforms.
The Fire Division representatives wear jacket and pants with a red
stripe and red shoulder cord with a New York style Bell cap. The Police
Division representatives wear a blue stripe and blue shoulder cord with
the traditional saucer cap. The Color Guard also distinguishes itself by
carrying an axe on one side of the formation and rifle on the other.
In
May, 2003, Doug Feltman, Chief of Public Safety, proposed the
concept of an Honor Guard for the Department. Jerry Fradet,
Communications Specialist, was chosen to form and command the
team.
The
purpose of the Honor Guard Section is to serve those who served. The
Honor Guard Section is proud and honored to have had its first actual
event at the 9-11 remembrance ceremony in 2003 honoring fallen
Firefighters, Police Officers and citizens who lost their lives in the
terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The Honor Guard Section and
its members take part in the posting and retiring of Colors at meetings,
sporting events, conferences and conventions. The Honor Guard also leads
community parades. The Honor Guard can be used for most community
functions with the approval of the Chief of Public Safety.
The
original team members consist of firefighters Rob Parker and Ben
VandenHoek and patrol officers, Mike Koster and Mike Kane. In the fall
of 2003, patrol officer Dean Knippling and firefighter, Dan Carlson were
added to the team. Ryan Titze joined the honor guard in September
2007.
