All about the Honor Guard

If you have ever attended a funeral where an honor guard was present, such as one for a firefighter or police officer, you cannot help but be impressed by the precision and display of honor that these men and women demonstrate.

Honor Guards have a long tradition within our nation's military forces, fire departments and police departments. The Carpentersville Police Department Honor Guard was established in the spring of 2002, shortly after the tragic events of 9/11.

A call for volunteers was made and answered by eight officers willing to learn, practice and perform a cadre of duties such as: presenting of the Colors at special events, funeral details, gun salutes, and close order marching.

The presentation of the Colors is found at many different events and ceremonies with the most recognized events being parades and funerals. The presentation of the Colors is a sign of respect and honor for our nation, state and villages as well as honoring the fallen for their service to their respective organizations.

The Carpentersville Police Honor Guard has posted The Colors at village board meetings, police academy graduation ceremonies, and has presented the Colors at the Dundee-Crown Junior Chargers opening ceremonies.

The Honor Guard also performs a three-volley gun salute at ceremonial events, memorial services and police funerals.

The custom originates from the European dynastic wars, where the fighting ceased for the dead and wounded to be removed, then three shots were fired into the air to signal that the battle could resume. A rifle party usually has an odd number of members, from three to seven.

The Carpentersville Police Department Honor Guard uses seven, nickel plated Remington 870 Wing Master shotguns, firing blank cartridges to perform this duty. The party usually stands so that the muzzles are pointed over the casket, or some distance away if the funeral attendees are too close to it. On the command of the Honor Guard Commander, the party raises their weapons and fires three times in unison.

The Carpentersville Police Department Honor Guard has performed gun salutes at; 9/11 memorial services, Kane County Law Enforcement Memorial Services, as well as several funeral services for fallen officers or family members.

Officers that serve in the Honor Guard are extremely dedicated, often being called into service at a moments notice and at times under extreme weather conditions. Honor Guard members know the importance of not only representing the Police Department, but the significance in memorializing their fellow officers.

As the words inscribed on National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. say "in valor there is hope."

Have a question about Carpentersville, its village board, police or fire departments? E-mail it to jaschuldt@vil.carpentersville.il.us.