Honor Guard Rules and Regulations

published by Web Master on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 13:17


Des Moines Fire Department Policy and Procedures
Honor Guard
Rev 5-18-10

Mission statement:

  1. 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.  
  2. To foreverrespect and remember with honor and distinction past and present fire fighters for their dedication and service to the citizens of Des Moines.
  3. A non-discriminating organization comprised of both men and women who are both regular and retired members of the Des Moines Fire Department.

Purpose: 

  1. The primary purpose of the Honor Guard is to provide last honors for fallen members past and present with respect and dignity.  Our role at a funeral is dictated by the family of the deceased and fire service traditions.
  2. Represent the department at funerals of members outside the department.  
  3. Represent the city and department at various functions and ceremonies.

Members of the Honor Guard: 

Members of 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 functions may be short notice and may 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. There is no higher honor than honoring one of our own. 

Responsibilities: 

  1. Fire Chief has final authority on all Honor Guard matters. 
  2. Members may be asked to perform other functions as deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief.
  3. Individuals wishing to join the Honor Guard should submit a letter of intent through their chain of command. Members will be selected base on the majority response of the main body. 
  4. 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.
  5. All members will provide current contact information such as cell/home phone numbers to be distributed to Honor Guard members only.   
  6. All members will attend at a minimum 4 honor guard functions (funerals, visitations, PR events etc.) within the year to remain in good standing.
  7. Once notified of an event all members within 12-24 hours will declare their intent to participate.  Failing to return calls on three occasions, or failing to attend at least 4 functions within a year would be grounds for possible dismissal from the Honor Guard. 
  8. It is the sole responsibility of each member to get prior approval from the appropriate chain of command to attend Honor Guard functions on duty.
  9. Members are expected to arrive ahead of designated times to ensure their participation and readiness for duty. 
  10. Each member will be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of their uniform.
  11. A member may be removed from the Honor Guard for any immoral acts, criminal acts or violations of City and Fire Department polices. 
  12. A member may also be removed for failure to actively participate in Honor Guard events (See # 6).
  13. Any member that resigns his or her position or is removed from the Honor Guard must turn in their uniform immediately. 
  14. Any member who feels unjustly removed from the Honor Guard may request an appeal in writing through proper chain of command.

Funerals and Visitations: 

  1. Generally our role will be dictated by the family.
  2. Will provide Casket Guard at all viewings and visitations.   

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 fire fighter recognition services/memorials/functions as a representative of the Department.