Hi Karen, If you send me an email to mfdhonoguard@wi.rr.com i can send you some of our stuff that might help you in getting your own procedures set up. i will also send you the pdf file of lead with your left. Then, if there is anything else you need or have questions on, let me know

Brent Jones
Commander
Honor Guard
Milwaukee Fire Dept.

Karen-Congratulations on taking the "step" to become and starting your Honor Guard. Yes, finances are always a huge part of any special team programs. Look into donations, grants, etc. from all venues possible. Uniforms and equipment are large expenditures and I would advise you to REALLY, REALLY do your homework and find what you want. Look and ask other Honor Guards what they have and what they like and what works best! Remember, usually you are in your uniform for long periods of time and also consider the weather conditions ( we are in Michigan and in summer it can be extremely warm and the winters can be cold and one uniform wont cut it ). Go online and look up Honor Guard Schools and Training and try and get all your members through the same academy. We went thru Elmhurst Fire Dept., just outside of Chicago. They put us thru a week long school and run you thru everything you can possibly need and at the end the class conducts a full blown funeral, very thorough. Just do alot of searching on the web. And get copies of the US Flag Code-great peice of info to have. Good luck.

Karen,

Your department expressing an interest in forming a unit is the first step. A good place to start is learning the art of drill and ceremony. Many units (mine included) reference the Army Field Manual 22-5, the Air Force Manual 36-2203 -- DRILL AND CEREMONIES (these are the most common) although I'm sure the Marines and Navy have their own. These publications lay the foundation for military bearing, marching, cadence, flag and ceremony protocol, etc.

Another source of information is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, http://www.firehero.org/resources/departments/ There are several checklists and sample guidelines.You might also check with your states fire credentialing body or fire marshals office. Many times they will have information available.

Check with neighboring departments (fire, police, or EMS) who already a unit and see what they are doing. Most will welcome you to participate in mutual training. There are also several groups and organizations which provide Honor Guard training. The National Honor Guard Commanders Association, http://www.nhgca.com/ and The National Honor Guard Academy http://www.nationalhonorguardacademy.com/ are excellent resources.

I hope this helps

Good luck