Click Here to subscribe.
The Price of Honor
By Timothy Leidig and Eric Hedman
"My son just stood there in awe looking at the guard that was standing next to my husband's casket." These are the words of Bethany O'Reilly, widow of Chicago Police Dept. Sgt. Phillip O'Reilly, as she describes her husband's funeral to a class of honor guard students.
With hundreds of law enforcement officers and firefighters falling in the line of duty each year, it is still surprising the number of departments and agencies that are not prepared for such a tragedy. And of those departments that have formed honor guards, many still lack the knowledge and organization needed to deal with the loss of a brother or sister. The work of public safety servants is clearly described in standard operating procedures and guidelines, yet departments still consider it taboo to have a funeral procedure.
The Elmhurst Fire Dept. of Illinois recognized a need for organization and overcoming superstitions. By separating protocol from procedure, the department has successfully created two relatively new courses that organize information and teach procedures.
The first course, "Organizing Tragedy," takes an in depth look at line of duty deaths. With expert instruction and information, students are exposed to the logistics needed to prepare for the loss of a department member. This course takes the guess work out of what needs to be done and what should be included in any department or agency protocol. Covering issues such as family notification, investigations, benefits, and funeral arrangements, information is given by professionals from various fields outside of the public safety sector. The highlights of the sixteen-hour course are the surviving family members that come to speak and send home the message that preparedness is the most important factor to respect.
The second course, "Honor Guard Training 101," is just what the title describes. This is a week-long class designed to teach a foundation for any honor guard member to build upon. Instructors range from law enforcement officers to fire fighters to current and past military personnel. Whether the student is new to an honor guard or a veteran member, this course offers something for everyone. From basic facing maneuvers to performing in a mock line of duty funeral, students learn by hands-on practicality.
