First responders pledge to serve the public and uphold safety and order in society. Whether they pass away in the line of duty, off duty, or as a retired member, their funeral service reflects the honor and respect for their dedicated service. In the case that you are a participating member of a first responder funeral service or a bystander in a community where a moment of silence is expected, it is courteous to demonstrate acts of appreciation.
The death of a first responder team member is a tragic time for the family, the department, and the community or jurisdiction they served. This article will describe the funeral protocol for first responders, expectations of participating members and, how to honor our fallen heroes.
A first responder is a specialized trained person responsible for arriving first to an emergency scene. They provide practical support at an emergency location, such as an accident, fire, natural disaster, domestic matter, or terrorism.
Emergency medical professionals are medically trained employees certified by the Department of Health to provide emergency medical treatment on behalf of an organization. Ambulance service, or first responder service, and credentialed by an affiliated agency whose primary function is the delivery of emergency medical treatment.
Law enforcement officers, paramedics, EMT's and firefighters are all listed as first responders.
Law enforcement officers (LEO) is a public sector employee whose duties primarily involve upholding peace and order by enforcing the law. LEOs are trained to respond to a crime or an accident scene to defuse the situation, insert order, and interview suspects & witnesses.
Firefighters, who are also known as firemen and firewomen, are rescuers who have specialized training in firefighting. They are the first on the scene to extinguish dangerous fires that endanger human life, personal property, and the environment and rescue people and animals from dangerous situations.
Firefighting holds tremendous honor among the public because it continues to be one of America's most hazardous professions.
An emergency medical technicians (EMT), also know as an ambulance technician, is a medically trained professional that provides emergency medical services. EMTs work in ambulances.
EMTs are often conflated with paramedics, but it is necessary to point out that they are two separate professions. Paramedics have additional educational requirements, qualifications, and scope of practice.
Paramedics are medically trained professionals whose central purpose is to provide high-level emergency medical care for patients in distress and in critical need of medical care.
No, a first responder does not need to die in the line of duty to have a special funeral. In fact, as long as the office was a sworn member at one time in the past, they would qualify. The deceased’s status with the department at the time of death would dictate what style of funeral they would have.
Six circumstances generally warrant a fire department member or an individual affiliated with a department to receive a special firefighter funeral. The six categories are as follows:
Type 1: Line-of-Duty Death: Any on-duty fire personnel who suffers extensive trauma or an event that causes a decline in health to a state of death. Line-of-duty death protocol is to be followed in these cases.
Type 2: Line-of-Duty-Death: Any on-duty fire personnel who suffers a series of events causing a gradual deterioration from a healthy state to death.
Type 3: Off-Duty Incident Death: Any off-duty incident involving trauma or a series of events to fire personnel causes rapid or gradual deterioration from a healthy state to death.
Type 4: Current or Past Member’s Death: A member or honorary member of the department or volunteer association who is currently active or has retired in good standing and suffers an event or series of events resulting in their death.
Type 5: Affiliate of the Department: Anyone who has served with the fire department to some degree. Examples would be a Chief, Commissioner, or Dispatcher.
Type 6: Non-Fire Fighting Individual Honored by the Fire Station: Immediate family member, anyone who volunteered or has professional ties to the fire station and who has suffered an event or series of events that caused death. Type 6 is specifically to pay tribute to secondary members of the fire station.
Furthermore, departments offer different styles of funeral services for their members and these funeral services vary greatly depending on the circumstances as well as the wishes of the surviving members of the family. The four types of funeral services are:
Formal Funeral Service: This service is generally reserved for a line-of-duty death. They typically include apparatus, pallbearers, color guards, fire department members wearing Class A uniforms. Additional standard practices are the use of badge shrouds, bagpipers, bell service, a bugler, crossed ladders, a fire engine caisson, Honor guards, and station and vehicle ceremonial decorations.
Semi-Formal Service: This type of service is generally reserved for an off-duty death of a current member or an affiliate. They typically include pallbearers, color guards, and fire department members wearing Class A uniforms. Additional standard practices include badge shrouds, a bell service, Honor guards, station and vehicle ceremonial decorations.
Non-Formal Service: This type of service is generally reserved for non-firefighting employees, retired members, affiliates of the department, and immediate relatives of a department member. They typically include pallbearers, color guards, and fire department members wearing Class A uniforms. Additional standard practices include badge shrouds, a bell service, Honor guards, and station ceremonial decorations.
Private Service: Usually, this type of service is at the request of the family. The service is closed to any outside participation except the immediate family members.
Three circumstances generally warrant a member to receive a special law enforcement funeral service. The three categories are as follows:
Type 1: Line of Duty Death (LODD): The death of an active duty Law Enforcement Officer or Deputy by unlawful or accidental means while on or off duty.
Type 2: Off Duty Death: Any off-duty incident involving trauma or a series of events to fire personnel causes rapid or gradual deterioration from a healthy state to death.
Type 3: Retired Members Death: A member or honorary member of the department or volunteer association who is currently active or has retired in good standing and suffers an event or series of events resulting in their death.
Three circumstances generally warrant a member to receive a special EMT funeral service. The three categories are as follows:
Type 1: Line of Duty Death (LODD): Any on-duty EMT personnel who suffers extensive trauma or an event that causes a decline in health to a state of death.
Type 3: Retiree Death: A member or honorary member of the department or volunteer association who is currently active or has retired in good standing and suffers an event or series of events resulting in their death.
Three circumstances generally warrant a member to receive a special paramedic funeral service. The three categories are as follows:
Type 1: Line of Duty Death (LODD): Any on-duty paramedic personnel who suffers extensive trauma or an event that causes a decline in health to a state of death would qualify for this type of paramedic funeral.
Type 2: Off Duty Death: Any off-duty incident involving trauma or a series of events to paramedic personnel causes rapid or gradual deterioration from a healthy state to death.
First responders qualify for a special funeral service from the moment they are sworn in through the time of their death. In some cases, immediate family members of the first responder would qualify for a special service.
The following are scenarios in which law enforcement officers would be eligible:
There are many different traditions and rituals for first responder burials, which are conditions of the specific division of the first responder. Before traditions and practices are followed, it is standard procedure to honor the deceased's wishes as well as their families. If the deceased had predetermined funeral wishes, they are to be followed. If they do not, the next step is to honor the family's wishes.
Without the unique requests of the deceased and family, the funeral services will be similar to a general degree. Detailed below is what you can expect at a traditional first responder funeral. We will also go into detail about what you can expect when a first responder has died in the line of duty as well as an off duty death and the loss of a first responder retiree.
With any first responder funeral, much of the opening ceremonies, the traditions and customs and the funeral procession are relatively the same.
Opening ceremonies will begin with funeral music. The funeral commences with an introductory speaker. A family member, a clergy member, or a member of the department will present the opening statement.
At the family's request, a prayer is chanted. The family will present eulogies, along with members of the department and friends. In many cases, the city Mayor will give a speech to express their appreciation on behalf of the community.
The Honor Guard will lead funeral service activities. Since first responder funerals are large in capacity, facility selections will be arranged with family and clergy.
Throughout the viewing hours, the Honor Guard will be present. Two team members will stand guard at the casket for 15 - 30 minutes and will be replaced by two additional team members.
A six-member Honor Guard Burial Team will be the designated pallbearers and will handle the casket. They will fold the national flag for presentation to the next of kin at the interment.
The Color Team will contain six members of the Honor Guard. Four of them will be the color-bearers, with the two remaining serving as guards. They are also responsible for the commands and coordination of the group. In addition, three appointed team members would carry the Department flag, State flag, and National flag individually.
The deceased employee will be honored and saluted by a seven-member firing party that the team leader controls. The firing team is positioned at the gravesite prior to the arrival of the funeral procession. They will be placed to be firing over the deceased's left shoulder when firing a volley.
A member of the Honor Guard will play "Taps." Alternatively, a bagpiper will play a melody if requested by the family.
Funeral processions for a first responder are generally a lot longer and larger than that of a local civilian. Although funeral processions may vary depending on the type of first responder, they have general similarities, considering there public servant ranking in society.
Funeral processions for first responders customarily include active and retired members of their department and neighboring communities, as a sign of solidarity. Consequently, processions may include up to a few hundred cars.
A designated procession officer is made in charge of planning out the route from the place the funeral home to the cemetery. The route will commonly include driving past the deceased's department and downtown to allow the local populace to participate in the ceremony.
The Honor guard's functions extend during the procession to the cemetery, with each department following its unique procedures. The procession for a line-of-duty-death may include hundreds of cars; therefore, traffic and parking control is necessary.
Honors may include Last Radio Call, 21 bells, flyover, flag folding, playing of "Taps," bagpipes, and in many cases, a dove release.
The overall assembly of the funeral procession includes many different members of the department and is always setup in an orderly fashion. Furthermore, there are distinctive protocols contingent on the type of death that occurred, whether it is; line of duty, off duty, or retired. See below for the breakdown.
The opening ceremonies and many of the traditions and customs are the same as a traditional first responder death. However, leading up to the actual church services and/or burial services, one difference for a line of duty death is there is typically a procession coordinator.
A procession coordinator generally acts as a liason between the marching procession and the vehicular procession. Depending on the circumstances and the the wishes of the family, there may be just a marching procession, just a vehicular procession and often times both processions will take place.
The Procession Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the order for the marching processional is appropriate and that the bugler is standing by at the cemetery awaiting the attendees. The assembly of the funeral procession can be broken down into two different groups; family and active participants of the funeral ceremony, and all other attendees.
Family and active members are placed at the front, and all other attendees will follow at the mid-point.
The front of the procession will always start with the pipers, drummers, and color guards to lead. They perform traditional music and present and carry national, state, and department flags.
Their performance-like presence is out of honorary respect for the deceased. The clergy or agency chaplain will walk closely with the pallbearers, followed by the Honour guard escorts and family members of the deceased.
The mid-point begins with the remaining attendees, consisting of home department uniformed officers (descending order of their rank), visiting department-ununiformed officers, followed by department vehicles, and lastly, all additional miscellaneous vehicles.
Again, the Procession Coordinator's responsibility is to ensure that the order for the vehicular processional is appropriate and that pipers, drummers, bugler, and color guard are standing by at the cemetery.
The vehicle procession does not deviate considerably from the marching procession. Furthermore, the assembly of vehicles maintains the same order, with the family and active participants of the funeral ceremony leading the way, followed by all other attendees beginning at the mid-point.
The lead car begins the motorcade and carries the clergy/agency chaplain, followed by the hearse with pallbearers. A limousine transporting the immediate family follows closely behind.
The mid-point begins with the remaining attendees, starting with the home department and dignitary vehicles, followed by visiting department vehicles. All other department personnel driving personal vehicles are to follow behind and lead the way for the outstanding attendees in miscellaneous vehicles.
Just like the funeral service, traditions and rituals are a large part of the burial service for first responders. Though there will be some deviations, which are dependent on the department, and ranking of the deceased, the burial service is relatively standard among all first responders.
The drummers and pipers will be assembled approximately 100 yards from the gravesite upon arrival at the gravesite. The bugler will gather closer, at about 20 feet away.
Known as the walk of honor, in an organized fashion, the attending department members will line up on both sides of the path, beginning where the hearse is parked through to the graveside.
Once all department members are stationed accordingly, the color guards will march to the beginning of the Walk of Honor with the clergy following. From here, the pallbearers will remove the casket from the hearse, and the Honor guard will command "Attention."
All funeral service members will then come to attention. The command "Present arms" will then signal the pallbearers to commence the carrying of the casket down the Walk of Honor. All funeral service members will present a salute as the casket passes them.
The immediate family, department officials (in descending rank), and other dignitaries will follow the casket. Once the pallbearers reach the gravesite, the pipers and drummers begin playing 'Amazing Grace' as they approach from the distance, marching gently.
Once the pipers and drummers reach their designated standing locations, the command "Order arms, fall in" will be given, commanding the department members to depart from their spots in the Walk of Honor. They form orderly lines directly behind the family, who are seated straight in front of the casket.
The clergy will march forward to present a graveside message if the family requests it. At the end of the message, the clergy may begin with "Let us now pray." All are required to remove their covers, placing them on their side, and bow their heads.
Once the clergy has finished the prayer, the Honor guard will remove the flag from the casket, fold it, and then deliver it to the immediate family. A designated Honor guard member will pass the flag to the Honor Guard Commander while other member’s salute.
A designated member will present to the next of kin, stating, "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful (city, county), as a small token of our appreciation, for the honorable and faithful service, and sacrifice of your loved one."
From here, a dispatcher will announce a farewell message. "The members of the (specified agency) wish to thank (certification number and name) for their (number of years) of services to the citizens of this (city, township, county, etc.). (Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten." Upon completion, the Honor guard commander will command "Attention, present arms," and the bugler will begin to play 'Taps.'
After 'Taps,' the command "Order arms" will be rendered, and the department members will stand until the family departs. The Honor Guard Commander will then dismiss the service declaring the command "Dismissed."
It is the responsibility of the Procession Coordinator to ensure proper order of all participating vehicles, and that the drummers and pipers are waiting and ready for the attendees at the cemetery. The assembly is slightly different than that of a line of duty death.
The mid-point begins with the remaining attendees, starting with the home department vehicles and visiting department vehicles. All other department personnel driving personal vehicles are to follow closely behind and lead the way for the outstanding attendees in miscellaneous vehicles
The drummers and pipers will be assembled approximately 100 yards from the gravesite upon arrival at the gravesite. From here, the pallbearers will remove the casket from the hearse. Immediate family and department members will follow the casket carried by the pallbearers
Once the pallbearers reach the gravesite, the pipers and drummers begin playing 'Amazing Grace' as they approach from the distance, marching gently. The clergy will march forward to present a graveside message if the family requests it.
At the end of the message, the clergy may begin with "Let us now pray." All are required to remove their covers, placing them on their side, and bow their heads.
From here, a dispatcher will announce a farewell message. "The members of the (specified agency) wish to thank (certification number and name) for their (number of years) of services to the citizens of this (city, township, county, etc.). (Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten." From here, the service is over.
Similar to the line of duty and off-duty funeral processions, it is the responsibility of the Procession Coordinator to ensure proper order of all participating vehicles and that the drummers and pipers are waiting and ready for the attendees at the cemetery. The assembly is different from that of line of duty death, albeit more in line with off-duty death protocols and assembly.
The mid-point begins with the remaining attendees, starting with the department vehicles. All other department personnel driving personal vehicles are to follow behind and lead the way for the outstanding attendees in miscellaneous vehicles.
The drummers and pipers will be assembled approximately 100 yards from the gravesite upon arrival at the gravesite. From here, the pallbearers will remove the casket from the hearse. Immediate family and department members will follow the casket carried by the pallbearers.
From here, a dispatcher will announce a farewell message. "The members of the (specified agency) wish to thank (certification number and name) for their (number of years) of services to the citizens of this (city, township, county, etc.). (Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten."
Knowing what to expect, how to dress, where to sit and other important information can help you pay your respects as an attendee and show your gratitude and appreciation for their service. See some of our tips and hints below.
A first responder funeral is a time to display your respect for the deceased. Respectful and traditional funeral clothing should always be formal. It is important to note that informal clothes such as jeans, t-shirts, unflattering tops, and casual wear are discouraged because it is a sign of disrespect.
It is expected that men should wear a dark suit, a button-up top, and a tie. Women should wear a dark dress, a suit, or a formal skirt and blouse. Department personnel should be dressed in their work uniform, unless otherwise notified.
Like all other funeral services, the seating nearest to the front is reserved for immediate family members. Furthermore, they must be seated at the front to receive the folded American flag during the service. An important note is if you are requested to sit at the gravesite, it is courteous to remain seated for the continuance of the ceremony.
Unboundedly, it can be confusing to know the proper etiquette and protocols at a high-ranking funeral. Greif and sadness can hijack our ability to maneuver such events in the appropriate manner.
Unboundedly, it can be confusing to know the proper etiquette and protocols at a high-ranking funeral. Grief and sadness can add to the stress of having to behave in the appropriate manner for these types of services.
It is always a good idea and a respectful gesture to bring a gift, especially if you're close to the deceased's family. Depending on the religious traditions of the funeral, you should consider what item would be the most respectful and suitable.
Generally speaking, you should be safe to consider one or more of the following items:
Flowers are traditional in many cultures and are generally the most ostensible choice. Irrespective of what you choose, the point is to offer a gift as a sign of condolences and respect. Furthermore, you can donate to their special division fund to give a sympathy gift. Frequently, they will list this in the obituary or on the funeral pamphlet handed out before service.
If you are a friend or family member of someone who suffered a loss, it can be difficult to find the right words, and oftentimes, they come out wrong out of fear. It is vital to ensure we offer support to those in need and if you are struggling with how to go about doing just that, please see our guide that will give you suggestions and tips.
The funeral service is the last moment shared with a loved one and the time to say a final goodbye. Saying goodbye to a deceased loved one is unimaginably difficult and can cause life-long grief.
For some, it can be helpful to carry pieces of jewelry or keepsake in memory of their loved ones. Keeping a part of them with you, whether as personalized photo engraved jewelry, cremation jewelry for ashes, or thumbprint jewelry, having that piece of our loved one can bring comfort in the grieving journey.
This guide is an excellent source to learn more about keepsake collections and funeral jewelry to help you in your grieving journey.
To become informed on how you can show your support for a fallen hero and first responder, here is a comprehensive guide that will give you tips and can help make the experience more comfortable.
Yes, first responders get a folded flag at their funerals.
A team of two takes a 15-30 minute watch (beginning 30 minutes before the viewing and ending 30 minutes after), one at the head and one at the foot of the casket, facing each other. A second team will relieve them every 15-30 minutes.
Saluting is necessary during particular moments of the funeral service: when the hearse passes you, when pallbearers move the casket, during the 21-gun salute and when "Taps" is playing.
Treat a first responder funeral as you would any other. Civilians are to be dressed in formal clothing; a dark suit and tie, a dark dress or skirt with a blouse. Your shoes should match the style of the outfit; formal and conservative. Dressing informal to a first responder funeral is not only inappropriate, but it is also a sign of disrespect.
A first responder is defined as someone who arrives first at a crime scene. This can include; law enforcement, firefighter, EMTs, and paramedic.
The last call is the "bell ceremony" and generally features bagpipes and a dispatch call. This is common in firefighters' funerals because it symbolizes their dedication to speedily and selflessly responding to dispatch calls for civilians in need. Furthermore, a dispatcher will be the one to make the call on the radio to inform team members of a fallen firefighter. Moreover, the motto "Call Home" and the date of service served from the deceased are quoted to show appreciation.
Immediately after the death, the deceased's family will receive an in-person death notification from the Notification's Officers. A Hospital Liaison Officer will be designated to coordinate the transportation of the deceased's body to the nearest hospital. Once the family is informed, The Public Information Officer will be notified and publicly relay the unfortunate news.
The first responder’s bell ceremony is a fire service tradition that reflects respect and honor to those who gave their lives to their duty. The bell's ringing represents the end of the emergency and the return to quarters and is customarily three rings of the bell.
Attending a funeral service is inherently difficult, given the nature of the situation. Compounding that difficulty is attending a funeral service of an honored member of society and ensuring you are following all respectful and necessary protocols.
Taking the time to become informed is an excellent way to reduce the added stress while respecting the deceased and their family. What is most important is taking the time and the appropriate steps to grieve for your loved one.
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August 30, 2021 by Frances Kay