Chapter 38 Honor Guard Procedure PDF

CHAPTER 38 – HONOR GUARD REV. NOVEMBER 30, 2012 38.01 INTRODUCTION This procedure provides information on the various functions of the Honor Guard for members or groups requesting the services of the Honor Guard and for members who wish to become part of the voluntary organization. 38.02 POLICY...

CHAPTER 38 – HONOR GUARD REV. NOVEMBER 30, 2012 38.01 INTRODUCTION This procedure provides information on the various functions of the Honor Guard for members or groups requesting the services of the Honor Guard and for members who wish to become part of the voluntary organization. 38.02 POLICY The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard honors those Sheriff’s Deputies, active and retired, who die on/off duty, as well as officers from outside agencies that are killed in the line of duty. Also honored are active duty deputies receiving awards or promotions and deputies retiring from the department. 38.03 PROCEDURES A. The Honor Guard, upon request or at the direction of the Sheriff, Chief Deputy or designee, participates in the following types of ceremonies: 1. Funerals; 2. Sheriff’s Office Graduations; 3. Departmental Awards of Honor; 4. Departmental Promotions; 5. Departmental Retirements; and 6. Other ceremonies as directed by the Sheriff or Chief Deputy. B. Services provided at ceremonies, at funeral of a Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty: 1. Honor Guard; 2. Colors; 3. Taps; 4. Honor watch; 5. The folding and presentation of the Texas Flag will be presented by a Sheriff’s Office representative for service to the Sheriff’s Office; unless the deputy was a former military Effective date April 30, 2014 379  member whereas military honors would be rendered first by the deputy’s branch of service then a Sheriff’s Office representative will present a pre-folded Texas flag. 6. Three-volley gun salute; 7. Pallbearers; and 8. Honorary procession escort (Traffic Safety Unit - Motors and/or vehicles as designated by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy or Sheriff’s Designee) NOTE: At funerals of an active duty deputy (not service connected) or retired will receive the Honor Guard Colors and flag folding and presentation (U.S. and or Texas flag). The Texas flag is to be provided by the Sheriff’s Office. C. For a funeral of an officer from an outside law enforcement agency killed in the line of duty, two members of the Honor Guard (and if available, Deputies of the Traffic Safety Unit- Motors and/or vehicles) may attend and represent the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. D. At graduation, departmental awards of honor, promotions, and retirement ceremonies: 1. Posting of the Colors, and 2. Other services as directed by the Sheriff. 38.04 DEATH UNDER LESS THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS In cases of death of a retired officer, active officer, or cadet under less than honorable conditions, the Sheriff’s Office is under no obligation to furnish or provide any assistance or honors for the service, or pay any expenses for any officer desiring to attend the services. 38.05 REQUESTS FOR SERVICES OF THE HONOR GUARD A. Requests for the services of the Honor Guard may be made in writing through the following: 1. The Office of the Sheriff, or 2. The Honor Guard Supervisor. B. Requests made through the Honor Guard supervisor by family members will be forwarded to the Office of the Sheriff for approval. 38.06 MEMBERSHIP IN THE HONOR GUARD A. The Honor Guard is a voluntary organization and membership is open to any sworn member of the department. Effective date April 30, 2014 380 B. Officers requesting membership in the Honor Guard should submit a written request to the Honor Guard supervisor. C. Membership in the Honor Guard is in addition to an officer's regularly assigned duties. D. All members must be willing to participate in funerals for officers killed in the line of duty when the funerals take place in the local area. E. The Honor Guard is composed of one (1) supervisor and deputies. F. The Honor Guard supervisor is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Sheriff. G. The non-supervisory members of the Honor Guard are appointed by the Honor Guard supervisor. H. Members are required to attend training as scheduled by the honor guard supervisor. I. Being voluntary, a member can be relinquished at any time by the member or terminated by the Honor Guard supervisor. J. Compensation for Members 1. Honor Guard members are given compensatory time for participating in Honor Guard ceremonies while off-duty. a. Members participating in funeral ceremonies while on-duty are placed on special assignment. b. Members participating in funeral ceremonies held out of town are placed on administrative assignment. 2. Member's relief days may be adjusted to attend out of town funerals on-duty, and 3. Per-diem pay may be granted. K. Uniforms, Accessories, and Equipment 1. Members of the Honor Guard wear distinctive uniforms and accessories while performing official Honor Guard duties. 2. Uniforms and accessories worn by Honor Guard members are listed in the Department's Uniform Specifications Manual. Effective date April 30, 2014 381  3. Equipment, uniforms and uniform accessories necessary to perform Honor Guard services, including transportation, is provided by the Sheriff’s Office. 4. Any personal items not provided by the department are the responsibility of the member. Effective date April 30, 2014 382