On June 28, 2016, The City of Summit Fire Department announced the formation of an Honor Guard Unit of firefighters to actively participate in events, including ceremonies, funerals and parades.
The Summit Fire Department Honor Guard is a highly trained unit comprised of four members: Honor Guard team leader and firefighter Chris Esposito, and firefighters Matthew Lemons, Thomas Penn and Brian Tavis. All members have received honor guard training as recruits in the Fire Academy. Honoring traditions and following protocol is a top priority for the group including proper display of the US and New Jersey State flags in a dignified and appropriate manner according to national and state protocols.
“An honor guard is a deeply-rooted tradition in the fire service,” explains Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers. “Our goal is to start and build it now to create a meaningful tradition that grows over time. Someday I hope it will include additional firefighters and perhaps instruments like bagpipes and drums.”
Evers continued, “The mission of the SFD Honor Guard is to provide honor, dignity and respect for our fallen brothers and sisters of the fire service and their families. We represent the flags and the department with pride and integrity, while maintaining a commitment to the traditions of the fire service.”
For more information on the Summit Fire Department and its Honor Guard, please visit cityofsummit.org/fire.
(above) Summit Fire Department Ceremonial Honor Guard.
