When we are faced with the unpleasant task of preparing the funeral of a fallen comrade, we must bear in mind that there is little we can do but honor their memory.  It now becomes the Honor Guard's task to provide his or her family with as many of their requests as possible for the service.  It may not be viable to answer all of their requests, but all stages will be handled with honor, respect and dignity.  This guideline is to serve as an outline of the services that the Huntington Fire Department Honor Guard may be able to offer.

Non-HFD and Volunteer Firefighter / Non-LODD

HFD Honor Guard shall send personnel to represent Huntington Fire Department.

Non-HFD and Volunteer Firefighter / LODD

HFD Honor Guard shall assist the volunteer department in any way necessary to help coordinate the planning and conduction of services.

Huntington Fire Department / Retirees

HFD Honor Guard shall provide ushers, casket guards, bagpipes, pallbearers, bell ceremony, flag presentation and a pass-in-review if applicable.

Huntington Fire Department / Active / Non-LODD

HFD Honor Guard shall provide ushers, casket guards, bagpipes, pallbearers, bell ceremony, flag presentation, pass-in-review, carried by truck, last call and helmet presentation by the Fire Chief.

Huntington Fire Department / Active / LODD

In the event that HFD loses one of their own in the line of duty, the Honor Guard shall provide all of the services listed above with the addition of a HealthNet flyover. Chances are, a larger establishment such as the Big Sandy Arena or Field House will be necessary for services. The pass-in-review shall also follow the route deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief.

DEFINITIONS

LODD- Line of duty death.

BAGPIPES – Sometime during the graveside service it is appropriate to have a bagpiper play “Amazing Grace” or other acceptable song. This can also be done in a large auditorium type setting during a service.

BELL CEREMONY – Signifies that a Company has returned to quarters or the end of a tour of duty. This can be done at the funeral service or the gravesite.

CARRIED BY TRUCK – In some circumstances, an engine company may be used to transport the deceased to the gravesite.

CASKET GUARD – Members of Huntington Fire Department will be scheduled to stand watch at the casket during viewing hours.

FLAG PRESENTATION – All Firefighters are entitled to a flag draped casket, in which a flag folding ceremony will be conducted and presented to the surviving family member.

HEALTHNET FLYOVER  - If availability and weather allows, HealthNet will fly over the gravesite during services to honor the memory of our fallen.

HELMET PRESENTATION – The deceased’s duty helmet shall be presented to a surviving family member by the Fire Chief or other delegated authority after statements honoring the life and career of the deceased.

LAST CALL – Department tones will be alerted, followed by dispatch giving name of deceased and brief description of service. Dispatch will attempt to hail the deceased ending with a final farewell. 

PASS-IN-REVIEW – When applicable, the hearse or truck carrying the deceased passes by fire stations where on duty personnel will stand at attention and render a hand salute until family members have passed by.          

Contact Information

In the unfortunate event that the Honor Guard is needed, please contact the office of the fire chief.

City of Huntington Fire Department
839 7th Avenue
Huntington, WV
25701-2217

Voice: (304) 696-5950 Ext: 3003

Chief’s Office – fcoffice_hfd@yahoo.com