Mourning Band & Cover Procedure
A mourning band is a traditional way for Police, Fire & EMS to publicly mourn the Line Of Duty Death of one of their own. It is important that each agency has a written policy regarding the wearing of mourning bands. For the sake of uniformity. That each employee strictly adheres to their department’s policy.
Black mourning bands shall be worn on the Badges of Paramedics, EMT's and Dispatchers in the following circumstances, generally straight across the center. On star-shaped badges, the band should be worn with the band from "11 to 5". In the event your department does not have badges, the mourning band may be worn over the employees' ID card. Electrical tape is discouraged but may be used in a pinch.
Procedure for when to wear the mourning band:
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Upon the Line of Duty Death of a Paramedic, EMT, or Dispatcher. The mourning band shall be worn by the department affected at the time of death. Till midnight on the 30th.
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Within your region. Neighboring agencies. Police, Fire & EMS in the region shall wear mourning bands from the time of death. Until midnight on the day of the funeral.
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Out of region: Paramedics, EMT's from out state. Will wear the mourning band from the morning of the funeral, till the conclusion of the funeral.
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ALL Paramedics, EMT's and Dispatchers should wear the mourning band on the day of the National EMS Memorial Service.
EMS Cover (Cap)
If you wear a class A uniform, protocol on wearing the cover (Cap) inside is as follows for uniformed personnel, this does not include those wear a baseball cap or non-class A uniforms, they should remove their cap indoors.
According to military customs and the national honor guard chaplains, It is not proper to salute (the flag or casket) if you are not wearing a cover.
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When you approach the casket of the fallen brother/sister, you stop, say a short prayer, put on your hat, come to attention with a sharp salute and then slowly lower the salute, turn and depart, removing your hat once you return to your seat or point of assembly/seat.
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During a "fly-by" you wear your cover during the entire procession of uniformed personnel marching by the casket or urn. Remove the cover once in seat/assembly area (inside),
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While on casket guard, or during official duties during the event, wear your cover.
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During service, removed cover while seated. To wear your cover during a eulogy is a matter of choice, coordinate with any others giving eulogy in a class A uniform.
