Indian River County Fire Rescue Honor Guard

Indian River County Fire Rescue Honor Guard is composed of 13 members of the Indian River County Fire Rescue Department. These members donate their time to honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the lives of others, and the community in which they live and serve.

All funding for the IRCFR Honor Guard was provided by the Indian River County Firefighters/Paramedics Association IAFF 2201, Vero Beach Firefighters Association Inc., and the Vero Beach Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Support provided by Fire Chief John King and Assistant Chiefs Ed prime, Dale Justice, Brian Burkeen and Brian Nolan.

The Honor Guard represents the Fire Department and County Government at many different functions from such as displaying the National Flag at events like parades and special events. The Honor Guard also represents the Department at solemn and serious occasions such as funerals for public safety officers and retirees from the profession who require a ceremony with Honor Guard presence. The Fire Department Honor Guard is there to Honor those in the fire service who have given their life so that others may live.

Origins of the Honor Guard date back to the times of the great armies of the world such as the Spartans of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire to honor and protect their fallen comrades from Cowan's and eavesdroppers who would steal the bodies of their slain soldiers. Most importantly to properly honor them as hero's who gave their life to defend the country they loved. The United States Military also has Honor Guards to honor those who have given their life serving their country, the most well know Honor Guard is the US Army at Arlington National Cemetery who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Honor Guard in the Fire Service has been around since Fire Departments organized throughout the world and after Ben Franklin and other revolutionaries organized fire department in the United States early in the 1700's.

The Indian River County Fire Rescue Honor Guard is available to perform at any event in which an Honor Guard is appropriate or needed and where honor to our Country, State or County is proper.

We are most importantly there to Honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, or those who have provided service and dignity to their Country, State or Community and proper honors are appropriate.

If anyone has any questions or request the services of the IRCFR Honor Guard, please contact Captain Joe Earman at (772) 562-2028 x3003 or email jearman@ircgov.com

Indian River County Fire Rescue Honor Guard Members: Coordinator…Capt. Joe Earman Instructor……Dutch Perry US Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Lt. Dan Brooks Lt. Will Ramsey Lt. Rich Marini Battalion Chief Rod Johnston Firefighter Medic Shane Downs Firefighter Medic Steve Williamson Firefighter EMT Dustin Hawkins Paramedic Andy Laney Firefighter Medic Steve Greer Firefighter EMT Jay Chesnutt Firefighter Medic Russell Thompson

Video: Honor Guard introduction to BCC 04/29/08