In April of 2005, members of
Kenosha County's Fire and Rescue Agencies will begin formation of yet another
service arm of the Kenosha County Fire and Rescue Chiefs and Captains
Association. The first organizational meeting of the Kenosha County Fire and
Rescue Honor Guard will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2005, at the Town of
Paris Public Safety Building at 1900.
The intention is to bring
together all of the members of the Fire and EMS agencies of Kenosha County who
may be interested in participating in a formally trained unit that is available
on a voluntary basis to assist in the planning and conducting of memorial
services, funerals, and special events honoring our fallen brothers and sisters
in the Kenosha County Emergency Services family.
The services of this
organization encompass three distinct functions.
Memorial Team -
Trained to assist in the planning( also replanning),coordination, and
performance of memorial services and funerals, and other such related special
events. Much behind the scenes work and support to the stricken department is
involved with this group. Training in tradition, interaction, and organization
becomes a part of these members list of skills. Familiarity of ceremonial
concepts, and comfort in assisting the family also eventually become added
components of their function. The event commander, family liaison officer,
department liaison officer, clergy and mortuary liaison officers, ceremonial
officer, functionary prompters, staging advisor, public information advisor,
and other positions fall within this group.
Honor Guard - This group
either performs as the honor guard, escort, pall bearer team, or flag detail
for the funeral, or directs, trains, assists, and coaches members of the
stricken department to perform these duties. Training in cadence, execution of
the movement of the members of the detail, and other related skills are a part
of this groups training. It is also not uncommon for this group to be requested
occasionally for weddings of Fire or EMS personnel.
Color Guard - This
group is trained to care for, carry, present, post and retire the flags and
honor guard tools of service, as well as perform escort duties. This group will
practice with some frequency by necessity. This is clearly the highest profile
and most precision of the three groups, and typically is also the smallest of
the three.
As the team ages in time, and grows in numbers and skills,
the function of the three groups provides any requesting agency with as little
or as much assistance and ceremony as the family and the stricken department
care to appropriately provide. The result is always a very difficult, but a
very fitting and memorable tribute to the fallen brother or sister.
No
experience or previous training in these elements is necessary to join the
organization. The team trains and grows together. Uniforms, tools, funding, and
other issues will gradually be discussed as the commitment to the concept
becomes apparent.
In speaking to those who have served in these
capacities in the past, they will tell you that it is a fulfilling and
honorable endeavor .
In short, we want to be certain that whenever any
of our number passes, regardless of the reason or the length of time since
their years of service have ended, someone will always be there to honor the
wishes of their family and their department in remembering their service to
their community in a fashion fitting and appropriate to the situation.
It is our intention to serve in cooperation with the excellent
organizations that already exist in our county, including the Kenosha Fire
Department, Kenosha Police Department, and Kenosha Sheriff's Department Honor
Guards, as well as the Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums organization.
We
look forward to seeing all of the members of the Kenosha County Fire and Rescue
agencies who served with the former cross county group from Quadrant one as
well. Your experience is necessary for our success.
If all goes well,
we look forward to working and serving together so that none of our numbers
will ever be forgotten!!!
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