![]() One or (more commonly) two uniformed fire service members who stand at attention at the head and foot of the casket during the wake or viewing. Vehicle provided by the funeral home to carry the casket, if an engine is not used. In addition to the engine that is used as a caisson, a second fire department vehicle may be used to transport flowers during the procession from church or funeral home to cemetery. ![]() The flag is folded by two pallbearers or members of the honor guard and presented to the chief or a third member, who presents it to the family at interment. If the deceased was a veteran or died in the line of duty, an American flag may be used. If a department flag is not available, a local, association, or state flag can be used. If the department has its own flag, it can be used to drape the casket at the wake or the funeral service. Because the sudden noise can be startling to the mourners, make people at the service are aware if this tribute is planned. Similar to a 21-gun salute if a military-type firing party is used, they fire three volleys at a position of about 75 feet from the burial site. ![]() It would be cleaned, stripped of hoses, and draped with bunting for this purpose. Traditionally a caisson, or horse-drawn wagon, was used to transport the casket of a dignitary to the cemetery a fire engine (a pumper, for example) may be used to transport the casket of a fallen firefighter. The family decides what, when, where, and by whom the eulogy is given. The formal speech in memory of the one who has passed may be offered at the wake, at the funeral, or at the committal by a family member, close friend, clergy, dignitary, or fire service member. ![]() In a formal LODD funeral, there may be two aerial trucks crossing extended ladders or booms, located at the entrance to the cemetery (or en route), with the American flag hanging from the apex of the extended ladders. If your department doesn’t have a trained color guard, check with the American Legion or VFW. A color guard often includes two armed persons (in the case of a fire department color guard, each will carry a ceremonial pick ax). Members who are formally trained in the ceremonial carrying and presentation of the national and local flags. In cases where the family specifies a closed casket for the viewing and/or funeral, a photo of the firefighter in uniform may be placed on or next to the casket, along with his clean helmet or dress hat. The vigil performed by the honor guard at the viewing or wake. If live, the bugler stands about 75 feet from the burial site. Either an on-site bugler, if one is available, or a recorded playing of taps is acceptable. The playing of Taps is one of the final activities at the committal. The bell ringing recalls a time when the fire bell rang to call firefighters to an alarm and then, again, to signal that the alarm had ended. In some traditions, it is tolled three time in others, three sets of three and in others, three sets of five. A portable fire department bell is then tolled by another member. – After the religious ceremony or at interment, a fire department member reads a prepared statement about the firefighter’s last call. Bell service (“Last Alarm” or “Last Call”) Bagpipers accompany and play music while the casket is being moved (in and out of the church, for example) and, if desired, during the service. Well known for serving during police funerals also used in traditional fire service ceremony. Do not shroud a chaplain’s badge that contains a cross, a crescent, tablets, or the Star of David. The period of mourning includes placing a piece of black tape or material horizontally over the center of the uniformed badge. The badge and tag should be in a framed shadow box or display that also includes a department uniform patch. The Fire Chief may wish to make a formal presentation of the name tag and badge worn by the fallen firefighter to the next of kin. Firefighter Funeral Definitions Definition of Words relating to Firefighter Funeral Services
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