A police honor guard is a ceremonial unit that consists of members of the police department. The honor guard members are sworn officers within the department who were specifically picked to be on the team. These members honor the department and the community by conducting themselves with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism at all times.

The role of the unit is to provide honor services for funeral assistance, line-of-duty deaths and special events. Honor guard members perform their day-to-day responsibilities as patrol officers, detectives, etc., along with the additional duty of working honor guard events.

The West Bloomfield Police Honor Guard team was officially established in 2001. The first-generation team uniform was an original standard police uniform, police hat, badge, white gloves, with the addition of a tucked ascot. The second-generation team uniform was ceremonial striped pants, white button up, black tie, blazer, badge, honor guard hat, white gloves and cross body belt. The third-generation team uniform is our current uniform, which is the marine-style dress uniform. This includes a formal jacket with patches, badge and aiguillette. The current uniform also includes formal dress pants, duty belt, cross body belt, formal hat and white gloves.

The West Bloomfield Honor Guard team consists of one sergeant, one team leader and six members. All members attend a week-long school, where they train day and night until completion and graduate on the fifth day. The West Bloomfield Honor Guard team members also train once a month to learn new techniques and improve our skills.

Aside from the funeral services, the honor guard also works at department-sponsored functions and special events. Our team has been asked to present the national colors at events that include West Bloomfield High School football games, community family fun night, law enforcement night at Comerica Park, Special Olympics, Pine Lake Cemetery Memorial Day and specific assignments/ details during Police Week in Washington D.C., including an introduction with the survivors of fallen officers’ families/friends at the candlelight vigil.

The West Bloomfield Honor Guard Team attends Police Week in Washington D.C. every year, and was nationally recognized by its organizers.

Honor guard members must have the strength to stand at ceremonial attention for countless hours while also dealing with overwhelming emotions when they’re called upon to provide services in times of tragedy. On September 9, 2012, Sergeant Patrick O’Rourke made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in the line of duty. Our honor guard team was immediately activated and provided honors by standing guard for 24 hours with Sergeant O’Rourke until he was laid to rest.

The West Bloomfield Honor Guard team recently provided funeral services for the Oakland County deputy and the Hillsdale County deputy who were killed in the line of duty. We continue to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our team values our partnership with our community and other law enforcement agencies across the state and country. The honor guard will continue to represent our department and community with integrity and professionalism.