TRAINING MANUAL 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 3 2. Training Dates: a. 2006... 5 b. 2007... 5 c. 2008... 5 d. 2009... 5 2. 2006/2007 Training Calendar.6 3. 2008/2009 Training Calendar.8 4. Lesson Plan 1 Funeral Policy Review and H.G. Uniform Requirements...10 5. Lesson Plan 2 Color Guard Duties...21 6. Lesson Plan 3 Honor Guard Duties. 27 7. Lesson Plan 4 Sentry Duties. 33 8. Lesson Plan 5 Casket Team Duties.... 38 9. Lesson Plan 6 Bell Ceremony... 43 10. Lesson Plan 7 Casket Flag Fold and Presentation 53 11. Lesson Plan 8 Aerial Flag Display 66 12. Lesson Plan 9 Station Bunting.. 77 13. Lesson Plan 10 Apparatus Bunting and Conveyance Preparation. 82 14. Fire Service Honors 98 15. Training Conclusion 99 16. Attendance Sheet.100 2
M.P.F.D. HONOR GUARD TRAINING INTRODUCTION The M.P.F.D Honor Guard has recognized 10 critical areas of instruction that our Team needs to be proficient in to act as a competent Ceremonial Honor Unit. These areas include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Funeral Police Review and Honor Guard Uniform Requirements 2. Color Guard Duties 3. Honor Guard Duties 4. Sentry Duties 5. Casket Team Duties 6. Bell Ceremony 7. Casket Flag Fold and Presentation 8. Ariel Flag Display 9. Station Bunting 10. Apparatus Bunting and Conveyance Preparation The Team has devised a 2 year training plan that will cover each one of these topics twice. The topics will be offered over two consecutive months. It is each Honor Guard member s responsibilities to attend at least one of these 2 monthly meetings that cover each of the10 different training topics in order to remain on the Team. This requirement is meant to ensure that the Team is ready and fully capable of rendering the appropriate honors along with being able to handle any reasonable assignment that is requested by a family member or neighboring fire department. 3
Each monthly training session will take place on the last Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of the month and will be 2 hours in duration. Training sessions will be divided into 2 categories; Didactic Topic and Drill Segment. Time allotment for the Didactic portion will be 1 hour and the Drill Segment will be 30 minuets for Stationary Drill Movements and 30 minutes for Marching Movements. The sessions will be located at an appropriate training site within the fire district. Normally sessions will take place at Fire Station #1 and will start at 1900 hours. 4
TRAINING DATES 2006 2007 2008 2009 January January January January 26 B-Shift February 31 C-Shift February 30 A-Shift February 28 B-Shift February 23 C-Shift March 28 A-Shift March 27 B-Shift March 25 C-Shift March 29 A-Shift April 28 B-Shift April 26 C-Shift April 25 A-Shift April 26 B-Shift May 25 C-Shift May 29 A-Shift May 28 B-Shift May 30 C-Shift June 29 A-Shift June 27 B-Shift June 26 C-Shift June 27 A-Shift July 26 B-Shift July 24 C-Shift July 23 A-Shift July 27 A-Shift August 24 C-Shift August 30 C-Shift August 29 A-Shift August 30 B-Shift September 29 C-Shift September 27 A-Shift September 26 B-Shift September 27 C-Shift October 26 A-Shift October 24 B-Shift October 29 C-Shift October 25 A-Shift November 30 B-Shift November 30 B-Shift November 27 A-Shift November None December None December None December None December None None None None 5
2006 / 2007 HONOR GUARD MONTHLY TRAINING TOPICS MONTH DIDACTIC TOPICS DRILL January 06 Uniform Requirements (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Funeral Policy Review Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) February 06 Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) March 06 Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) April 06 Station Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Training Plan Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) May 06 Honor Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) June 06 Honor Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Annual Picture (Tentative Date) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) July 06 Bell Ceremony (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) August 06 Bell Ceremony (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) September 06 Casket Flag Fold (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Casket Flag Presentation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) October 06 Casket Flag Fold (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Casket Flag Presentation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) November 06 No Practice Happy Thanks Giving December 06 No Practice Merry Christmas 6
MONTH DIDACTIC TOPICS DRILL January 07 Uniform Requirements (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Funeral Policy Review Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) February 07 Sentry Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) March 07 Sentry Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) April 07 Casket Team Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) May 07 Casket Team Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) June 07 Ariel Flag Display (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) July 07 Ariel Flag Display (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) August 07 Annual Picture @ (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Saint Patrick Seminary Marching Movements (30 Minutes) September 07 Apparatus Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Conveyance Preparation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) October 07 Apparatus Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Conveyance Preparation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) November 07 No Practice Happy Thanks Giving December 07 No Practice Merry Christmas 7
2008 / 2009 HONOR GUARD MONTHLY TRAINING TOPICS MONTH DIDACTIC TOPICS DRILL January 08 Uniform Requirements (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Funeral Policy Review Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) February 08 Uniform Requirements (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Funeral Policy Review Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) March 08 Bell Ceremony (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) April 08 Bell Ceremony (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) May 08 Honor Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) June 08 Honor Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) July 08 Station Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) August 08 Station Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) September 08 Casket Flag Fold (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Casket Flag Presentation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) October 08 Casket Flag Fold (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Casket Flag Presentation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) November 08 No Practice Happy Thanks Giving December 08 No Practice Merry Christmas 8
MONTH DIDACTIC TOPICS DRILL January 09 Sentry Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) February 09 Sentry Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) March 09 Casket Team Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) April 09 Casket Team Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements Full Step, Half Step (30 Minutes) May 09 Ariel Flag Display (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) June 09 Ariel Flag Display (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements March on Colors (30 Minutes) July 09 Color Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) August 09 Color Guard Duties (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Marching Movements (30 Minutes) September 09 Apparatus Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Conveyance Preparation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) October 09 Apparatus Bunting (1 Hour) Stationary Movements (30 Minutes) Conveyance Preparation Marching Movements (30 Minutes) November 09 No Practice Happy Thanks Giving December 09 No Practice Merry Christmas 9
LESSON PLAN #1 TOPIC: FUNERAL POLICY REVIEW AND HONOR GUARD UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols 3. M.P.F.D. Policy and Procedures Class A Dress Uniform 4. M.P.F.D. Policy and Procedures Personal Appearance and Grooming MOTIVATION: Funerals and memorial services are usually unplanned events that leave fire departments with very limited time to prepare, plan and execute. An intimate knowledge of the M.P.F.D. Funeral Policy and Honor Guard Protocols will assist the Honor Guard in performing the necessary honors accustomed in the Fire Service, along with ensuring that each members is personally prepared with the proper grooming and necessary uniform to represent the Fire District, at these and other ceremonial occasions. OBJECTIVES: 1. To review and acquaint all members with the information contained in the Funeral Policy and Honor Guard Protocols and its layout. 2. To review and assure that all members comply with the Fire District grooming standards and that each member looks neat and well groomed. 3. To review and assure that all members have the necessary uniform items and that the uniform is neat and maintained to the highest standards. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. Copy of M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual 2. Overheads / Power Point Presentation 3. Copies of Uniform Requirements 4. Copies of Personal Appearance and Grooming Standards 10
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Overall Layout of M.P.F.D. Funeral Policy and Honor Guard Protocols Step 3: Highlight Important Sections of Funeral Policy A. Funeral Committee Members B. LODD / Non-LODD C. Appropriate Honors D. Death Notification E. Responsibilities and Assignments F. Formations Step 4: Highlight Important Sections of Honor Guard Protocols A. Ceremonies: 1. Color Guard 2. Honor Guard 3. Sentry Duty 4. Bell Ceremony 5. Casket Flag 6. Bunting 7. Aerial Flag Display 8. Taps B. Phone Lists and Resources C. Benefits Section Step 5: Highlight H.G. Uniform Requirement Step 6: Highlight Personal Appearance and Grooming Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 10 minutes Step 3: 15 minutes Step 4: 15 minutes Step 5: 10 minutes Step 6: 5 minutes 11
FUNERAL COMMITTEE * The Menlo Park Fire District has established a Funeral Committee within the Department. The Committee consists of the following personnel: 1. Fire Chief or Designated Chief Officer 2. Commanding Officer of the Deceased Member 3. Firefighters Association / Union President 4. Honor Guard Commander 5. Fire Department Chaplain * The Funeral Committee shall meet at any hour of the day or night as ordered by the Fire Chief. * The Funeral Committee shall make death notification to firefighter s family and prepare ring-out to all fire companies and county communications. * The Funeral Committee shall make assignments and begin planning and preparations for a fire service funeral. 12
L.O.D.D. AND NON-L.O.D.D. * Line of Duty Death Defined as the death of a member: 1. Responding to or returning from an assignment 2. At the scene of an incident 3. Upon returning to the station or residence following an assignment 4. Alive on arrival at the hospital but later expires * Non - Line of Duty Death Defined as the death of a member: 1. Active or retired other than a line of duty death ** Procedures for both Line of Duty Death and Non-Line of Duty Death can be found in the M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual under the Funeral Policy Section and Honor Guard Protocols. 13
DEATH NOTIFICATION Death notification is on of the most difficult tasks faced by the fire service. It is because; learning of the death of a loved one is often the most traumatic event in a person s life. Besides being compassionate and sensitive, notifiers have to be prepared to contact emergency medical services, in the event that the survivor goes into shock upon being notified. Notifiers should be prepared to provide important information regarding the details about how the death occurred. They can also volunteer to notify others to provide support for the survivors. There are five basic principles to follow when making death notification. Notification should always be done: 1. In Person ( never over the phone ) 2. In Pairs ( two or more people ) 3. In Time ( as soon as possible ) 4. In Plain Language ( be direct ) 5. With Compassion ( be supportive ) * Refer to the M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual under the Death Notification Standard for further information. 14
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS * The following positions need to be assigned by the Fire District s Funeral Committee to assist in the preparing, planning and execution of a fire service funeral. 1. Incident Commander 2. Family Liaison Officer 3. Logistics Officer 4. Transportation Officer 5. Funeral Officer 6. Cemetery Officer 7. Reception Officer 8. Detail Officer (Honor Guard Commander) 9. Public Information Officer 10. Benefits Coordinator ** Further information and a description of responsibilities for each of the above positions is listed and explained in the M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual. 15
CEREMONIES * The Menlo Park Fire District Honor Guard has the capability of performing the following ceremonies to honor our fallen brothers / sisters: 1. Color Guard 2. Honor Guard 3. Sentry Duty 4. Bell Ceremony 5. Casket Flag Presentation 6. Bunting 7. Aerial Flag Display 8. Taps * Instructions for these ceremonies are contained in the M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual. 16
RESOURCE LIST AND PHONE NUMBERS * The M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual contains phone numbers and a resource list to assist members with planning a funeral or memorial service. Phone numbers and resources that are included are: 1. Chief Officers 2. District Board of Directors 3. Department Chaplain 4. Current Members 5. Retired Members 6. Fire Fighter Union 7. County Communications 8. Local, State and Federal Political Offices 9. Local Law Enforcement 10. Local Fire Departments 11. Bag Pipers 12. Buglers 13. Photographer 17
BENEFITS SECTION * The M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual contains a Benefits section that explains the benefits entitled to the family of a firefighter as a result of a L.O.D.D.. Available benefits and contact phone numbers that are listed include: 1. Federal P.S.O.B. 2. Workers Compensation 3. PERS Retirement System 4. Menlo Park Fire District 5. Menlo Park Firefighters Association 6. I.A.F.F. 7. C.P.F. 8. C.S.F.A. 9. Social Security 10. L.T.D. Programs 11. Others 18
FORMATIONS * The formation of the uniformed personnel at the funeral or memorial service will be at the discretion of the Honor Guard Commander. The Honor Guard Commander will give all commands to the Honor Detail throughout the event. * Refer to the M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual for the typical fire service funeral formations and procedures. 19
FIRE SERVICE HONORS * The following honors have been deemed appropriate and approved by the Fire Chief of the Menlo Park Fire District and the President of the Firefighters Association for the following situations. FULL HONORS * Reserved for Line of Duty Death only. 1. Honor Guard 2. Color Guard 3. Sentry Duty 4. Pallbearers 5. Bell Ceremony 6. Flag Ceremony 7. Helmet / Badge Ceremony 8. Flag Draped Casket 9. Crossed Aerial Ladders 10. Apparatus as Conveyance 11. Apparatus Bunting 12. Station Bunting 13. Station Flags at Half Staff 14. Taps PARTIAL HONORS * For active and retired members other than Line of Duty Death. 1. Honor Guard 2. Color Guard 3. Sentry Duty 4. Pallbearers 5. Bell Ceremony 6. Taps 20
LESSON PLAN #2 TOPIC: COLOR GUARD TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols 3. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Parade Manual MOTIVATION: At funerals, memorial services and other ceremonial occasions, it is often customary to have a Color Guard available to present and post the symbols of our country, state and organization. This is done in honor of our fallen brothers and with respect for those being recognized and attending the event. The Color Guard ceremony is very symbolic and the movements of a Color Guard need to be synchronized with crisp movements as they are seen by all those attending the event. This requires that the Color Guard be highly motivated and trained to conduct themselves in a respectful manner while performing this service. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the types of events that a Color Guard is requested at. 2. To acquaint all members with the necessary movements of a Color Guard 3. To practice and hone the skill of each member performing on the Color Guard Team. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. 3 Practice Flags 2. 3 Practice Flag Stands 3. 3 - Flag Belts 4. 2 - Practice Axes 5. 2 - Practice Pikes 21
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Stationary Movements for Color Guard Step 3: Review Marching Movements for Color Guard Step 4: Practice Stationary Movements for Color Guard Step 5: Practice Marching Movements for Color Guard Step 6: Conduct Mock Event Using All Necessary Commands Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 10 minutes Step 3: 10 minutes Step 4: 15 minutes Step 5: 15 minutes Step 6: 5 minutes 22
COLOR GUARD DUTY Introduction For funerals, memorials and other ceremonial occasions, a Color Guard may be requested to present and post colors at the event. The Color Guard is a way to display our National, State, Departmental and Organizational symbols in a ceremonious and respectful manner. Basic Rules 1. First and foremost, it is the duty of all Color Guard members to ensure the safety and security of the colors they are carrying. 2. The Color Guard shall consist of flag bearers carrying appropriate flags for the occasion and flanked on both sides by a guard carrying and appropriate tool. 3. Appropriate flags may include: a. United States b. California c. Department d. Union e. Honor Guard f. Memorial 4. Appropriate tools may include: g. Fire Axe h. Pike Pole 5. Never dip the American Flag 6. All flag and tool movements will be done in compliance with the M.P.F.D. Ceremonial Drill Manual. 23
Set Up 1. The Color Guard will arrive at the location of the event 60 minutes prior to the start of the service and meet with the person in charge of the event or service. 2. They should acquaint themselves with the design and layout of the service or event and consider any obstacles that may alter their duties. 3. Members should place flag stands at the front of the service if Colors are to be Posted. 4. The appropriate flags, tools and equipment will be distributed and the Unit will move to a staging area to Fall-In and Uncase the colors. 5. The Color Guard can be formed up in either a column or rank (abreast) formation. 6. The Unit will then march to position themselves for the service or event. Procedure Funeral / Memorial Service: a. Prior to the arrival of the conveyance, the Honor Guard Commander will march the Unit into its position at curb side to face the arriving conveyance. b. The Unit will be placed at Parade Rest. c. Just before the conveyance is to arrive, the Honor Guard Commander will bring the Unit to Attention and then to the Carry Colors Position. d. As the casket is removed from the conveyance, the Color Guard will Present Arms. e. After the casket is removed from the Hearse or Apparatus, and the casket is positioned at curbside by the pallbearers, the Color Guard will be ordered to Order Arms. f. The Color Guard will then Wheel March right or left into a position in front of the casket to lead the foot procession past the Honor Detail and into the chapel. g. Once inside the chapel, the Color Guard will proceed to the front of the chapel and Post the Colors under the direction of either the Honor Guard Commander or U.S. Flag Bearer. h. After the Colors have been posted, the Unit will march together to the rear of the chapel via the side isle or exit via a side exit. i. If positioned at the rear of the chapel, the Color Guard will wait until all members of the Honor Detail have entered the chapel and moved to their seats. 24
j. After the Honor Detail has entered and before the chaplain seats the guest and family, the Color Guard will march together and exit the chapel via the main entrance. k. Once outside, the Honor Guard Commander will call the detail to Halt, then Left Face to be Dismissed. l. At the conclusion of the funeral service, the Honor Detail will exited the chapel and formed up outside, the Color Guard will then march to the front of the chapel, Retrieve the Colors and march to the center isle in front of the casket and Halt. m. The Bag Piper will then march down the center isle playing an appropriate tune, about face in front of the Color Guard and lead the foot procession of Bagpiper, Color Guard, Priest, Casket/Urn, family and friends to the conveyance. n. The Color Guard will take up an appropriate position to the right of the exit and perform a facing movement to face the foot procession exiting the chapel. o. As the casket comes through the exit, the Color Guard will be ordered to Present Arms p. After the casket is placed into the conveyance, the Color Guard will be ordered to Order Arms q. The Honor Detail will then be dismissed after the family has gotten into the transportation vehicles. r. The Color Guard will then be ordered to Order Too, then to the Prepare Colors position. From that position the Color Guard will make any necessary facing movements, then march to the staging area to Case the Colors and be Dismissed. 25
Gravesite Service: * A Color Guard may or may not be utilized at the grave site service, depending on the family s request. If a Color Guard is needed for both services it is often better to utilize a second Color Guard team for the grave site service. a. The Color Guard will position themselves approx. 10 from the foot of the casket and be at the position of Attention as the conveyance arrives. b. As the casket is removed from the conveyance, the Color Guard will Present Colors and hold until the casket is positioned over the gravesite and the Honor Guard Commander orders Order Arms. c. The Color Guard will remain at the position of Attention thru the committal service. d. After the committal service and Bell Ceremony, the chaplain will ask the family and attendees to rise. e. The Casket Team will hold the casket flag at the tabletop position and the Color Guard will Present Colors for the playing of Taps f. After Taps is sounded, the Color Guard will Order Arm, and the Casket Team will fold the American flag. g. The flag will then be presented to the family or next of kin. h. The Color Guard will then pause for a few moments after the flag is presented to the next of kin. After the Casket Team is dismissed and departs the area, the Color Guard will follow and exit the gravesite area. Other Ceremonies: a. The Color Guard will be under the direction of the Honor Guard Commander for special events or ceremonies. b. The Commander will make the necessary arrangements for the event and then brief the team. 26
LESSON PLAN #3 TOPIC: HONOR GUARD DUTIES TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy: Appropriate Honors 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols: Honor Guard Duties MOTIVATION: An Honor Guard is one of the first ceremonial duties that needs to be arranged, in the event of a Fire District members death. It has special meaning to the family of the deceased, to know that the fire service is there to watch over their loved one. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the necessary arrangements and equipment needed to conduct a funeral Honor Guard. 2. To acquaint all members with the proper procedure for conducting a funeral Honor Guard EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. U.S., CA, and M.P.F.D. Flags 2. (3) Flag Stands 3. (4 6) Ceremonial Pike Poles 27
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Appropriate Honors for L.O.D.D. Step 3: Review Honor Guard Duty Procedure Step 4: Review and Display Equipment Needed Step 5: Practice Proper Honor Guard Procedure Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 5 minutes Step 3: 10 minutes Step 4: 5 minutes Step 5: 35 minutes 28
HONOR GUARD DUTY Introduction In the event of a Fire District member s death, one of the first ceremonial duties to arrange is an Honor Guard. The Honor Guard will stand watch at the casket during the Viewing / Visitation hours at the funeral home. The Honor Guard Commander will coordinate this duty with the Funeral Director and Chaplain, according to the family s wishes. Basic Rules: 1. Arrange for an Honor Guard of two members to be posted at the casket at all times during viewing / visitation hours. One at the head of the casket and one at the foot. 2. Assign a minimum of four members to each set of viewing / visitation hours. 3. Rotate the Honor Guard at 15-minute intervals. Relief Guards shall march up together and smartly make their reliefs with Posted Guards. Relieved Guards shall also march off together. 4. Posted Honor Guard shall remain at the position of Port Arms 5. Post American, State and Department flags at the casket. Flags should be posted toward the head and behind the casket, with the U.S. flag on it s own right. 6. Honor Guard will be in Class A Honor Guard Dress Uniforms and carry ceremonial pike poles. 7. When carrying ceremonial pike poles, Guardsmen shall carry arms at the Port Arms position. 29
Set Up 1. Guardsmen shall arrive at the site 30 minutes prior to the start of the service to meet with the Funeral Director and Chaplain. They should acquaint themselves with the design of the chapel and consider any obstacles that may alter their duties. 2. Guardsmen shall post appropriate flags at the casket. 3. Guardsmen shall prepare themselves for the ceremonial duty. Procedure 1. The Initial Guards shall take up a position at the rear of the chapel. 2. Initial Guards shall march side by side together down center isle and Halt at end of first set of seats. If the casket is flag draped or a folded flag is nearby, the Guards will salute the flag together by Presenting and Ordering arms. 3. Initial Guards shall then Right and Left Face in unison, and march in front of first set of seats and align themselves approx. 4 from the head and foot of the casket and Halt. 4. Initial Guards shall then Right and Left Face in unison facing the front of the chapel. 5. Initial Guards shall then march forward together and take up a position near the head and foot of the casket and Halt. Guards will About Face in unison and face toward the rear of the chapel. Guards will remain at the position of Port Arms. 6. At 15-minute intervals, the Relief Guards shall come to the back of the Chapel, carrying arms at the Port Arms position. 7. Relief Guards shall then march side by side together down center isle and Halt at end of first set of seats. 8. Relief Guards shall then Right and Left Face in unison and march in front of first set of seats and align themselves approx 4 from the head and foot of the casket and Halt. 30
9. Relief Guards shall then Right and Left Face in unison facing the front of the Chapel and Posted Guards. 10. Relief Guards shall march forward and Halt when they are 30 in front of the Posted Guards. 11. The Relief Guards will Present Arms in unison, saluting the posted Guards, and hold the salute. 12. The Posted Guards will Present Arms then Order Arms in unison, saluting the Relief Guards. 13. When the Posted Guards have concluded their salute, the Relief Guards will finish their salute, by Ordering Arms. 14. The Posted Guards will then Right and Left Face in unison, facing away from the casket. The Posted Guards will then take 2 steps away from the casket and Halt. Posted Guards will Right and Left Face in unison and face the back of the chapel. 15. The Relief Guard will take two step forward and perform and About Face movement facing the rear of the chapel. 16. As the Retiring Guard steps off, the newly Posted Guard will remain at the position of Port Arms. 17. The Retiring Guards will march off to the rear of the chapel and exit the area. * Rules This process will continue at 10 to 20 minute intervals. The Honor Guard Post should be maintained until the service or ceremonies have been completed. There shall not be any changing of the Guards during the service or ceremonies. This procedure may be altered by the Commanding Officer to conform to the pattern of the service. 31
* Special Provision If the Chaplain request the Honor Guard not be present during the service: The Honor Guard Commander will signal the Posted Guards to exit the area. (Salute from rear of chapel) Upon receiving this signal, Posted Guards will step off from their post in unison and come together at the front of the chapel in front of the first set of seats. Guards will Right and Left Face in unison and face the casket. Guards will then Present Arms and Order Arms in unison. Guards will About Face and march together toward the rear of the chapel. The Guards will take up a position at the chapel entrance and act as sentries during the service. Guard relief s will continue during the viewing / visitation service. At the conclusion of the service, Guards will resume their posts at the head and foot of the casket as in steps 1 thru 17 above. 32
LESSON PLAN #4 TOPIC: SENTRY DUTY TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy: Appropriate Honors 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols: Sentry Duty MOTIVATION: At a fire service funeral or memorial service, it is often customary to post Sentries at the entrance to the chapel. This Duty displays the tradition and pride of the organization and the desire to keep the integrity of the serves solemn and reverent. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the necessary arrangements and equipment needed to conduct Sentry Duty. 2. To acquaint all members with the proper procedure for conducting Sentry Duty EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. (4 6 ) Ceremonial Pike Poles 33
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Appropriate Honors for L.O.D.D. Step 3: Review Sentry Duty Procedure Step 4: Review and Display Equipment Needed Step 5: Practice Proper Sentry Duty Procedure Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 5 minutes Step 3: 10 minutes Step 4: 5 minutes Step 5: 35 minutes 34
SENTRY DUTY Introduction For funerals or other special ceremonial occasions, a set of sentries may be requested to stand watch at the entrance to the service or event. The Sentries are posted to show the pride and tradition of the organization and maintain the integrity of the ceremony. The Sentries usually stand watch at the entrance to the ceremony / event but may be posted at another location that is deemed appropriate. Basic Rules: 1. Arrange for a Sentry Detail of two members to be posted at the entrance or appropriate location. The Sentries should be at their post 20 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and maintain their post throughout the event. 2. Assign a minimum of four Sentries to each post. 3. Rotate the Sentries at 15-minute intervals. Relief Sentries shall march together and smartly make their relief s with Posted Sentries. Relieved Sentries shall also march off together. 4. Posted Sentries shall remain at the position of Port Arms 5. Sentries will be in Class A Honor Guard Dress Uniforms and carry ceremonial pike poles. 6. When carrying ceremonial pike poles, Sentries shall carry arms at the Port Arms position. Set Up 1. Sentries shall arrive at the location 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to acquaint themselves with the design of the site and consider any obstacles that may alter their duties. 2. Sentries shall prepare themselves for the ceremonial duty. 35
Procedure 1. The Initial Sentries shall stage in an appropriate area near the entrance or post location. 2. Initial Sentries shall march side by side together and make their way to the post location. As they approach the post location, the Sentries shall Halt when they are approximately 10 to 15 from the entrance. 3. Initial Sentries shall then Right and Left Face in unison, and march away from each other and align themselves approx. 4 to the side of the entrance to the ceremony and Halt. 4. Initial Sentries shall then Right and Left Face in unison facing the entrance of the ceremony. 5. Initial Sentries shall then march forward together and take up a position on either side of the entrance to the ceremony and Halt. 6. Initial Sentries will About Face in unison and face away from the entrance. Sentries will remain at the position of Port Arms. 7. At 15-minute intervals, the Relief Sentries shall make their way to a location that is away from the entrance but visible to the Posted Sentries. 8. Relief Sentries shall then march side by side together and make their way to the post location. As they approach the post location, the Sentries shall Halt when they are approximately 10 to 15 from the entrance. 9. Relief Sentries shall then Right and Left Face in unison and march away from each other and align themselves approx. 4 to the side of the entrance to the ceremony and Halt. 10. Relief Sentries shall then Right and Left Face in unison facing the entrance of the ceremony and Posted Sentries. 11. Relief Sentries shall march forward and Halt when they are 30 in front of the Posted Sentries. 12. The Relief Sentries will Present Arms in unison, to salute the Posted Sentries, and hold the salute at Present Arms. 36
13. The Posted Sentries will Present and Order Arms to return the salute of the Relief Sentries. 14. When the Posted Sentries have concluded their salute, the Relief Sentries will finish their salute by Order Arms. 15. The Posted Sentries will then Right and Left Face in unison, facing away from the sides of the entrance to the event. The Posted Guards will then take 2 steps away from the entrance and Halt. Posted Guards will Right and Left Face in unison and face away from the entrance and toward the staging area were they initially came from. 16. The Relief Sentries will take one step forward and perform and About Face movement facing away from the entrance of the ceremony. 17. As the Retiring Sentries step off, the newly Posted Sentries will remain at the position of Port Arms. 18. The Retiring Sentries will march off together toward the staging area. a. This process will continue at 10 to 20 minute intervals. b. The Sentry Post should be maintained until the service or ceremonies have been completed. 37
LESSON PLAN #5 TOPIC: CASKET TEAM DUTIES TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols MOTIVATION: At funerals or memorial services it is necessary to have a team of individuals capable of lifting and carrying the casket or urn. It is truly an honor to be selected to carry the remains of a comrade to his/her final resting place. The movements of a Casket Team need to be synchronized with crisp movements as they are carrying the remains of a beloved brother or sister and are seen by all those attending the event. This requires that the Casket Team be highly motivated and trained to conduct themselves in a respectful manner while performing this duty. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the different types of caskets and handle placement along with the use of a casket cart. 2. To acquaint all members with the necessary carrying techniques and movements necessary to carry a casket. 3. To acquaint all members with the procedure for carrying an urn. 4. To practice and hone the skills of each member performing on the Casket Team. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. 1 Practice Casket 2. 1 Practice Casket Flag 3. 6 or 8 Casket Team Members 38
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Types of Caskets and Handle Configurations Step 3: Review Types of Urns Step 4: Practice Casket Team Duties with Casket Step 5: Practice Casket Team Duties with Urn Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 10 minutes Step 3: 10 minutes Step 4: 20 minutes Step 5: 15 minutes 39
CASKET TEAM (PALLBEARER) DUTIES Introduction The Casket Team is responsible for carrying, lifting and positioning the casket or urn of the deceased. Members of the casket team should be physically able to lift substantial weight and still be able to walk. It is a supreme honor to carry the remains of a comrade to his / her final resting place. Basic Rules 1. The Casket Team shall consist of six to eight (6-8) members to carry the casket and one (1) Detail Officer who will issue all commands to the Casket Team. 2. The Casket Team will be responsible for all movement and positioning of the casket or urn. 3. The Honor Guard Commander shall appoint the Casket Team Officer. 4. The Casket Team Officer shall contact the funeral director for detailed instructions and schedule a practice session. 5. The Casket Team will not salute while carrying the casket. 6. The Casket Team will use a Funeral March to move the casket. 7. Be sure the casket flag is secured to the casket prior to any moving and grasp the casket handles below the casket flag. 8. The Casket Team members will place both hands on the casket handle, with thumbs facing forward, while carrying the casket 9. During the funeral service, the Casket Team will sit toward the front and on the designated side of the chapel as assigned by the Chaplain or Casket Team Officer. 40
Set-Up 1. The Casket Team will form up at curb side to wait the arrival of the conveyance. 2. After forming up, the Casket Team may be placed at Rest by the Casket Team Officer. (Hands in front, left over right, thumbs interlocked) Procedure 1. Just before the arrival of the conveyance, the Casket Team will be called to the position of Attention. 2. As the conveyance approaches, the Casket Team Officer will perform a slow salute and the Casket Team Members will lower their heads in a 3 second count. 3. After the conveyance arrives at the site of the funeral or grave site service, the Casket Team Officer will finish his slow salute and the Casket Team Members will raise their heads in a 3 second count and face forward. 4. The Casket Team will then march into position at the rear of the transport, to receive the casket. 5. Once in position, the Casket Team will remove the casket from the conveyance and move the casket to curbside, aligned with the chapel entrance. The Team will then pause as the Color Guard marches in front to lead the priest, casket, family and procession into the chapel. 6. At the conclusion of the service and after the Honor Detail has reformed outside the chapel, the Color Guard will march in front of the casket. 7. Casket Team will then march together and position themselves at the sides of the casket and prepare to carry the casket out of the chapel, to the conveyance. 8. As the Color Guard leads, the procession to the transport, the Casket Team will carry the casket and place it in the conveyance for transport. 9. For the drive from the chapel to the grave site, all members will ride in a designated vehicle. 41
10. At the Grave Site - Upon the arrival of the conveyance, the Casket Team will position themselves at the rear of the transport to remove the casket from the conveyance vehicle. 11. The Casket Team will carry the casket and place it over the grave site. 12. The Casket Team will then be dismissed by the Casket Team Officer. ( Detail Dismissed ) 13. At the appropriate time during the service, and at the family s request, the Casket Team will be requested by the Casket Team Officer to return to the casket to perform the flag folding ceremony for presentation to the family. See Flag Ceremony Section For Flag Folding Instructions: 1. Two (2) Member Fold 2. Eight (8) Member Fold 14. At the conclusion of the Flag Folding Ceremony the Casket Team will be dismissed by the Casket Team Officer. Funeral March While carrying the casket of a fallen comrade, members of the Casket Team will use a Funeral March Step and carry the casket smoothly and level. A 24 step with a duck walk (toes pointed out) will assist in not stepping on the feet of the member in front. Example: Left / Together, Right / Together, Left / Together, Etc. Casket Team Commands 1. Attention Starting Position for All Commands 2. Detail Rest Hands In Front, Left Over Right 3. Ready March / Step Command to Move Casket 4. Center Face Command to Face Team Inward 5. Forward Face Command to Face Team Forward 6. Side Step Too Command to Clear Conveyance Vehicle 7. Take Too Command to Grasp Casket 8. Raise Too Command to Lift Casket 9. Lower Too Command to Lower Casket 10. Detail Up Command to Raise Bowed Head 42
LESSON PLAN #6 TOPIC: BELL CEREMONY TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy: Appropriate Honors 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols: Bell Ceremony MOTIVATION: The Bell Ceremony is very symbolic in the fire service. It is performed at fire service funerals and memorial services similar to the firing of volleys during a military funeral. It is done out of respect and as a symbol of appreciation to the deceased member for his years of service to the fire department and community. The Bell Ceremony is usually followed immediately with the sounding of Taps. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the necessary equipment and proper set-up to conduct a Bell Ceremony. 2. To acquaint all members with the proper procedure for conducting the Bell Ceremony. 3. To acquaint all members with the Bell Ceremony speech. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. 2 x 3 Table 2. Black Table Cloth and Skirt 3. Last Alarm Bell 4. Bell Ceremony Speech 43
LESSON DESCRIPTION: Step 1: Review Lesson Plan Step 2: Review Appropriate Honors for L.O.D.D. Step 3: Review Bell Ceremony Set Up Step 4: Review Bell Ceremony Speeches Step 5: Review Bell Ceremony Procedure Step 6: Review and Display Equipment Needed Step 7: Practice Set-Up for Bell Ceremony Step 8: Practice Proper Bell Ceremony Procedure and Speech Time: Step 1: 5 minutes Step 2: 5 minutes Step 3: 5 minutes Step 4: 5 minutes Step 5: 10 minutes Step 6: 5 minutes Step 7: 10 minutes Step 8: 15 minutes 44
Bell Ceremony 1. Bell Ceremony Criteria 2. Bell Ceremony Procedures 3. Bell Ceremony Speech for a Line of Duty Death 4. Bell Ceremony Speech for a Non Line of Duty Death 45
Bell Ceremony Criteria The Last Alarm Bell Ceremony is very symbolic in the Fire Service and has a special meaning. It may be offered to the family of any deceased member of the Department, Active or Retired, as long as they have served in any of the positions set forth below. The following Active or Retired Members of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District are entitled to this ceremony: 1. Fire Chief 2. Deputy Chief 3. Division Chief 4. Fire Marshal 5. Assistant Fire Marshal 6. Fire Inspector 7. Captain 8. Fire Fighter 46
Bell Ceremony Procedure Upon receiving the wishes of the family to have the Bell Ceremony preformed, arrangements will be made. The Bell Ceremony will be conducted by the Honor Guard Commander and Honor Guard 1 st Officer. It will take place during the service, as the family wishes. The Bell Ceremony normally takes place after the Flag Ceremony, at the end of the funeral service or burial service. It is followed immediately by the sounding of Taps. If there is to be a private internment or if the family wishes, the Bell Ceremony may be preformed at any time during a Memorial Service. At the designated time during the Memorial or Burial Service, The Honor Guard Commander and 1 st Officer will perform the Last Alarm Bell Ceremony. Set Up: 1. Position table at front of church or gravesite and cover with an appropriate table cloth & skirt. 2. Place Last Alarm Bell on center of table. 3. Have an enlarged copy of the Ceremonial Speech available for easier reading. 47
Procedure: 1. The Honor Guard Commander and 1 st Officer will come to the position of Attention at the rear of the church or grave site. 2. They will march forward to the front of the church or grave site. 3. The H.G. Commander will take a position at the podium and prepare to give the Bell Ceremony speech. (L.O.D.D. or Non-L.OD.D.) 4. The H.G. 1 st Officer will take a position at the Last Alarm Bell. 5. The H.G. Commander will deliver the Last Alarm speech. 6. At the conclusion of the speech, the H.G. Commander will take one step back from the podium and come to the position of Attention. 7. The H.G. Commander will instruct all uniformed personnel in attendance to Cover and then stand and come to the position of Attention. He will then instruct them to Present Arms. 8. Once all uniformed personnel assume the position of Attention and Present Arms, the H.G. 1 st Officer will ring out the designated bell code to signal the deceased Last Alarm. 9. Taps will immediately be sounded, following the silencing of the last bell tone. (Bugler or C.D.) 10. The H.G. Commander will then instruct all the uniformed personnel to Order Arms Be Seated and UnCover. 11. The Honor Guard Commander and 1 st Officer will slowly march to the rear of the church or grave site and take up a position at the rear. 12. This will conclude the Last Alarm Bell Ceremony and the sounding of Taps. 48
Menlo Park Fire District Honor Guard Bell Ceremony Speech: Line of Duty Death The men and women of today s fire service are confronted with a more dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks. With these changes our goals have remained the same. To save lives and protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost. This is what we do. This is our chosen profession. Though the fire service of today is ever changing, it is steeped in many traditions. Some of these traditions are 200 years old. One such tradition is the sound of the bell. In the past, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of the shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by the bell. It summoned the fire fighters out to battle raging infernos or render aid to those in need. Many times placing their own lives on the line for their fellow man. And when the alarm was completed, it was the bell that signaled to all Companies of the Fire District that the call had come to an end. Today, we utilize these symbols of tradition to reflect with honor, pride and respect for those who have given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion that NAME OR NAMES had for his/their duty, a special signal of three rings three times each representing the end of our comrades duties and that he/they will be returning to quarters. And so, to NAME OR NAMES who have selflessly given his/their lives for the good of his/their fellow man, his/their tasks completed, his/their duties well done, to our brother/brothers, his/their last alarm. He/They are going home. 49
HONOR DETAIL TO ATTENTION BELL RINGING 3 3 3 * HONOR DETAIL SEATED * If the sounding of Taps is to take place Have all uniformed personnel Present Arms during the playing of Taps 50
Menlo Park Fire District Honor Guard Bell Ceremony Speech: Non-Line of Duty Death The fire service of today is ever changing to meet new challenges, but it is also steeped in many traditions. Some of these traditions are 200 years old. One such tradition is the sound of the bell. In the past, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of the shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by the bell. It summoned the fire fighters out to battle raging infernos and to render aid to those in need, many times, placing their own lives on the line for their fellow man. And when the alarm was completed, it was the bell that signaled to all Companies of the Fire District that the call had come to an end. Today, we utilize these symbols of tradition to reflect with honor, pride and respect for those who have given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion that NAME had for his duty, a special signal of three rings, three times each representing the end of our comrades duties and that he will be returning to home. And so to RANK AND NAME, a man who has given so much in his life to his fellow man and this community, his tasks here completed, his duties will done, to our brother, his last alarm. 51
HONOR DETAIL TO ATTENTION BELL RINGING 3 3 3 * HONOR DETAIL SEATED * If the sounding of Taps is to take place Have uniformed personnel Present Arms during the playing of Taps. 52
LESSON PLAN #7 TOPIC: CASKET FLAG FOLD AND PRESENTATION TIME ALLOWANCE: 1 Hour REFERENCE MATERIAL: 1. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Funeral Policy: Appropriate Honors 2. M.P.F.D. Honor Guard Manual Honor Guard Protocols: Casket Flag Fold and Presentation MOTIVATION: The rendering of full funeral honors is a way to provide a final tribute to a member who has served our fire department and the community honorably. It allows a grateful fire service and the public a way to pay its final respects in a dignified and solemn ceremony. OBJECTIVES: 1. To acquaint all members with the necessary arrangements and equipment needed to properly fold the U.S. Flag in a ceremonious way and present it to the deceased member s next of kin of with dignity and respect. 2. To acquaint all members with the proper procedure for properly folding and presenting of the U.S. flag. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1. (1) 5 x 9 ½ Casket Flag 2. White Gloves for Flag Folding Detail 53