About the WI EMSHG
The purpose of the WI EMS HONOR GUARD is to remember and honor those emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice they have made for their fellow man.
The objective of the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association is to provide organizational standards, uniformity, procedures, support, and guidance to EMS Honor Guard Districts throughout Wisconsin in order to operate independently or together as a Ceremonial Honor Guard or color guard.
We provide funeral assistance to all Wisconsin EMS departments and providers, support to family members of fallen an EMS provider, who has sustained a serious injury or who has died as a result of an injury or illness sustained in the line of duty.
We also present colors and provide EMS Color Guard members at events that present EMS in a professional and honorable manner.
If you have an honor guard unit or wish to form one in your area, please contact the state commander for more information and a personal meeting to discuss options.
Our History started in 2010 by Paramedic John Arnoldson. Several meetings were held over the next year to develop a vision and standards so we could all represent the EMS professionals of Wisconsin and support the efforts of the groups. Modeled after several statewide EMS Honor Guards such as Minnesota and Missouri we continue to build a statewide association comprised of several uniform districts.
In 2015 John resigned to pursue new adventures in his life. Craig Nelson finalized organizing the state into a legal corporation and form districts throughout the State, becoming a not-for-profit corporation and gained tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3).
WI EMS Honor Guard Association, Inc. (AKA WI EMS HONOR GUARD) intends to be the repository of names of the fallen providers in the state. We work with the Wisconsin EMS Association, the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin EMS Section to build and foster relations with all stakeholders and represent the profession at all levels.
Honor, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion.