  
Intro - Civilian - Military - Police - Presentation Video
Rendering of fire departmental honors demonstrates gratitude to those who have served and protected their communities. This ceremonial paying of respect is
the final demonstration that can be provided to the firefighters' families.
Firefighter funerals are quite similar to those of the military. Honors are usually applied to those killed in the line of duty and those
who are retired from the fire service.
Description of Honors
For retirees, there is usually a smaller contingent of firefighters, though many departments provide full honors depending on their protocols.
A line-up of numerous fire departmental apparatus is usually arranged in front of the church accomodating the funeral service. For a LODD, almost always,
two ladder trucks will extend and cross their ladders across the main entrance to form an arch. A US flag (approx 16’ x 20’) is often draped between the
crossed ladders.
Special considerations are provided the fallen firefighter's immediate colleagues.
Much of the funeral details are handled by an Honor Guard. The Guard is responsible for co-ordinating and directing activities,
the Casket Watch, flag bearers, pallbearers, rifle salute, bugler, bagpipes, and flag folding/presentation.
A Casket Watch is staffed by uniformed firefighters and is often comprised of firefighters from the Honor Guard. The Watch takes place from
the arrival of the deceased firefighter’s casket until the end of the funeral service. Two uniformed firefighters position themselves at opposite ends of
the casket. The Watch is divided into shifts of 15-30 minutes.
At the funeral service’s end, a command is given by the Honor Guard commander. That’s a signal for me to starting piping. Usually I lead the
casket out, followed by the Honor Guard, from the church to the awaiting hearse. Almost always this is the only piping performed during the
funeral service, though I have piped-in the Honor Guard before at the beginning of the service.
Graveside Service
The Colors are brought to graveside and usually preceded by the piper performing an appropriate tune.
When the graveside service is ready to proceed, it won’t be lengthy. By this time, hours will have elapsed since the initial service began.
Typically this portion will be no different than a civilian service of the same faith. After the officiant has finished, the following
occur: a rifle salute, playing of TAPS, flag folding/presentation, and final bagpipes performance – Amazing Grace is the most requested.
Unique to the fire service is the Bell Ceremony. It is conducted at graveside and can be the last detail performed prior to the piper.
Throughout most of history, the life of a firefighter has been closely associated with the ringing of a bell.
As he began his tour of duty, it was the bell that started the shift. Each alarm was sounded by a bell, which called him to duty and to place his
life in jeopardy for the good of his fellow man. And when the call had ended, and the alarm was completed, it was the bell that rang three times to
signal the end. Again, this may vary somewhat from department to department.
Typically, the bell is struck solemnly three times followed by a pause, three times followed by a pause and three times in memory of and in tribute
to his life and service. Protocols for some fire departments dictate the sounding of a single siren upon completion of the bell ringing. Afterwards,
a radio broadcast is made, stating that the firefighter has answered his last alarm.
He is only a fireman the people say As they pass him or give him the way. The alarm with a clatter, clatter and bang Strikes many an ear with an unpleasant clang. His dress is not tidy and his face does tan But note he walks like a man. Not ashamed of friends nor afraid of foes When to work each time he goes Not dreading danger not death each hour. For his trust and hope is in an unseen power Who gives strength to his arm and light to his eye He dreads not to live, or fears not to die. 
© Copyright 2008-2012 ~ J. Stephen Sanders
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