Honor Guard

Background

The Taylor Police Honor Guard provides the Police Department with a specially trained ceremonial team to render honors, preserve tradition, stimulate Esprit-de-corps and instill pride. The Honor Guard has adopted a variety of movements in Drill and Ceremony from all branches of the United States Military, primarily from the U.S. Marine Corps, and forged them into a "Police Honor Guard" style. These officers received specialized training in this very special "art form".

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the Honor Guard is to honor and stand watch over law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Honor Guard also represents the Taylor Police Department in formal ceremonies such as color guard, parades, casket watches, funerals, retirements, and civic events. The Honor Guard represents the ultimate pride in the law enforcement profession and its goal is to present a positive and professional image to the public.

Counting on Each Other

However, our increasingly violent society brings with it increasing possibilities of an officer being injured or killed in the line of duty. Tragically, a police officer falls in the line of duty every 53 hours in the United States. Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions are taken by police officers, no matter how much protective equipment they carry, no matter how much training they undergo, injury and even death are inevitable. However, no matter how violent the society may become or how difficult the job may get, law enforcement officers throughout the nation know that they may count on each other in their time of need.

Facts

  • Every 57 hours a Law Enforcement Officer is killed in the line of duty.
  • On average 150 Law Enforcement Officers are killed each year.
  • This year over 160 names of Law Enforcement Officers will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

Flag Etiquette

To learn more about flag etiquette please visit the flag website.

How You Can Help

Unfortunately, the department often lacks the funds needed to achieve all the goals of the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard has purchased dress uniforms for each of the members, but the ceremonial rifles, flagpoles, and flags are in need of replacement. We have achieved a lot since the formation of the unit but there is still much that needs to be done. If you would like to donate to the Taylor Police Department Honor Guard, please send your donations to:
Taylor Police Department
Attention: Lieutenant John Blair
23515 Goddard Road
Taylor, MI 48180-4116
or send questions through our contact form.

Honor Guard