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In the mid-1990's, the Clearwater
Police Department Honor Guard was formed>
as a fifteen-officer unit designated as an official memorial/specialty
squad of the 259-officer agency. The Honor Guard has since
grown to an authorized complement of 18 officers. These volunteers
- even prior to the Unit's formal formation - have committed
themselves to be an integral part of the department’s support
mechanism for the families of officers killed or injured in
the line of duty.
The Honor Guard has worked with diligence and professionalism
to bring to the public’s attention the human side of policing,
including the abject pain and sense of loss that is an inevitable
part of the public safety profession. Since 1995, members
of the Clearwater Honor Guard have attended scores of funeral
and memorial services throughout the state of Florida and
adjoining states.
The Honor Guard Unit consists of a number of intra-unit teams
with varying responsibilities:
The Color Guard: A
five-officer complement whose center-marching members serve
as bearers of the Stars and Stripes and all secondary flags;
two rifle-bearing members flank the flag-bearers.
The Flag Detail: Seven members (six officers addressing
the American flag and a team leader) designated to fold the
flag at the interment ceremony. The team leader is charged
with handing-off the folded flag to the Chief of Police (or
designee) for presentation to the family.
The Casket Watch Team: A a minimum
of six members who alternate in complements of two; the on-duty
team is stationed with one member at each end of the casket
during viewing.
The Bugler: A single-member assignment,
the bugler plays Taps at the conclusion of the funeral or
graveside service.
 The
Rifle Team: Eight members (seven riflemen and a team leader),
charged with the execution of three-volley 21-gun salutes
during burial ceremonies.
The Pallbearers: When requested
by a deceased officer’s family; members of the Honor Guard
Team will be designated to carry the casket.
Other Honor Guard ceremonial events include:
- Police Academy Graduation Ceremonies
- Local Police Conferences
- State and Local Police Memorial
Services
- Parades
- Government Grand Opening Ceremonies
Four Clearwater
Police Officers have given their lives in the line of
duty, their names emblazoned on the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Inevitably, the Clearwater Police Department Honor Guard will
again honor fallen members of the law enforcement community
who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service and protection
of their fellow man.
For additional information, contact
Sgt. Jim Quinlan
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