2006

DMFD HONOR GUARD

RULES & REGULATIONS

Mission Statement:

The goal of the honor guard is to serve the fire department and community as a visual reminder of the service and traditions of the fire service. To forever respect and remember with honor and distinction past and present fire fighters for their dedication and service to the citizens of Des Moines.

Members of the Honor Guard:

Members or the Guard shall hold themselves to a high degree of integrity, loyalty, and honor to the Des Moines Fire Department and the fire service in general. Participants with this voluntary team should understand that not all time spent at functions will be compensated and that most functions will be very short notice and require some sacrifices.  Importantly, only those with a high degree of pride and will to give should invest in the time to become an Honor Guard member.

OnCall Status:

1- Members are always considered to be in an "on call" status.  Most situations (funerals) are last minute, which calls for quick responses, if you cannot be available on short notice, you will not be able to help the honor guard.  Members should keep in mind that others are depending on fellow members' participation.

2- All members will provide current contact informationsuch as cell/home phone numbers to be distributed to each member only.  Information will not be provided to anyone else.

3- All members will attend at a minimum at least 4 honor guard functions (funerals, visitations, PR events, etc.) within the year to remain in good standing.

4- Once notified of an event all members will respond within 12-24 hours of intent to participate.  If a member fails to return calls on three occasions, or fails to attend at least 4 functions within a year then said member (with a vote from the Honor Guard command staff) would not be considered in good standing and will be asked to return the Honor Guard uniform.

Approval from District Chiefs:

It is the sole responsibility of each member to get prior approval rom the appropriate chain of command to attend Honor Guard functions on duty.

New Members:

Members will be selected based on the majority response of the main body.

Special Incentives:

A member in good standing who has faithfully served on at least 6 functions throughout the year will have special consideration in attending state or national fallen firefighter recognition services/memorials/functions as a representative of the Department.

Funeral & Visitation Guidelines:

A Few guidelines we will follow:

1) Numbers allowing, a member will always post beside the casket during visitationsas well as the entrance to the funeral hall.

2) While relieving members posted at the casket, members will come to attention and the relieving member will give a slow salute.

3) During the service, after members have been lead to their seating area, they will immediately remove their covers placing them under their left arm and stand at attention until all members have exited the aisle.

4) Once all members have exited the aisle, all members shall sit down simultaneously and place their cover in front of them on their laps.