The South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District Honor Guard is a ceremonial unit which serves our department and community by preserving the traditions of the fire service. Members of the Honor Guard have received special training in military-style drill and ceremony etiquette, with a specific emphasis on the history and traditions of the fire service. In addition to their regular assignments, the members of the Honor Guard Unit volunteer their time to take on the task of memorializing Police, Fire and Military service and sacrifice at approximately at ceremonies each year. These ceremonies consist of presenting colors, funeral details, and singing the National Anthem. The Honor Guard Unit often works with other agencies for local, state and national events throughout the year. The Honor Guard Unit seeks to respectfully and considerately provide tribute and appreciation to those who selflessly give to others in the field of Public Safety. A primary role of the Honor Guard is to provide honors for fallen comrades. The Honor Guard also serves as the "guardians of the colors" by displaying and escorting the national flag on ceremonial occasions at special functions.
History
This unit was originally proposed in 1998, and became operational in 1998 with 5 members. Since that time, the unit has stood ceremonial honor guard at wakes of firefighters, marched in parades, and participated in numerous commemoration ceremonies. This unit has jointly participated with the South Elgin Police Honor Guard in the annual Patriots Day memorial, commemorating the sacrifice of the hundreds of New York City firefighters and police officers on September 11, 2001. In 2010 South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District Honor Guard members joined the statewide Associated Firefighters of Illinois (AFFI) honor guard of 600+ members, and this unit has had personnel participated in events including the Funerals throughout the State of Illinois, IAFF Fallen Firefighters memorial held in September in Colorado Springs CO, Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony held in May in Springfield IL.
Members
The Honor Guard is composed of carefully selected Firefighters chosen for their ability and commitment to the “Whatever it takes” motto. These Firefighters exemplify and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct and show aptitude for ceremonial duty. The Honor Guard currently has 8 members consisting of active AFFI Local 4833 members. Our unit utilizes special ceremonial axes, pike poles, and flags custom made for South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District. Membership in the unit is voluntary and on approval of the Fire Chief. We are trained and continue training for the following types of details: Parades, Presenting of Colors at outdoor events, Posting of Colors at indoor events, Funeral Honor Guard, Funeral Pall Bearers, Flag Fold & Presentation Ceremony, Bell Ceremony, Retirement ceremonies, Fire Department Funeral Planning. Our services are available to anyone who would like to present the colors in a respectful manner, inter a loved one with Fire Service (Military type) Honors or to assist other departments in planning for a funeral service.
Requests for Honor Guard Attendance
Requests for the unit’s participation at an event can be made by calling our administrative office at 847-741-2141; decisions on which events the unit will attend are made on a case-by-case basis.
History
This unit was originally proposed in 1998, and became operational in 1998 with 5 members. Since that time, the unit has stood ceremonial honor guard at wakes of firefighters, marched in parades, and participated in numerous commemoration ceremonies. This unit has jointly participated with the South Elgin Police Honor Guard in the annual Patriots Day memorial, commemorating the sacrifice of the hundreds of New York City firefighters and police officers on September 11, 2001. In 2010 South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District Honor Guard members joined the statewide Associated Firefighters of Illinois (AFFI) honor guard of 600+ members, and this unit has had personnel participated in events including the Funerals throughout the State of Illinois, IAFF Fallen Firefighters memorial held in September in Colorado Springs CO, Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony held in May in Springfield IL.
Members
The Honor Guard is composed of carefully selected Firefighters chosen for their ability and commitment to the “Whatever it takes” motto. These Firefighters exemplify and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct and show aptitude for ceremonial duty. The Honor Guard currently has 8 members consisting of active AFFI Local 4833 members. Our unit utilizes special ceremonial axes, pike poles, and flags custom made for South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District. Membership in the unit is voluntary and on approval of the Fire Chief. We are trained and continue training for the following types of details: Parades, Presenting of Colors at outdoor events, Posting of Colors at indoor events, Funeral Honor Guard, Funeral Pall Bearers, Flag Fold & Presentation Ceremony, Bell Ceremony, Retirement ceremonies, Fire Department Funeral Planning. Our services are available to anyone who would like to present the colors in a respectful manner, inter a loved one with Fire Service (Military type) Honors or to assist other departments in planning for a funeral service.
Requests for Honor Guard Attendance
Requests for the unit’s participation at an event can be made by calling our administrative office at 847-741-2141; decisions on which events the unit will attend are made on a case-by-case basis.