Mourning Band & Cover Procedure
A mourning band is a traditional way for Police, Fire & EMS to honor their fallen colleagues, fostering respect and unity during times of loss. Each agency must have a written policy regarding the wearing of mourning bands. For the sake of uniformity, it is important that each employee strictly adheres to their department’s policy to show collective respect.
Black mourning bands shall be worn on the Badges of Paramedics, EMTs, and Dispatchers in the following circumstances, generally straight across the center. On star-shaped badges, the band should be worn from "11 to 5". If your department does not have badges, the mourning band may be worn over the employee's ID cards. 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 department shall wear the mourning band affected at the time of death, till midnight on the 30th.
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Within your region, neighboring agencies-Police, Fire & EMS-shall wear mourning bands from the time of death until midnight on the day of the funeral, emphasizing shared respect and collective observance across agencies.
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Out-of-region: Paramedics, EMTs from out of state. Will wear the mourning band from the morning of the funeral till the conclusion of the funeral.
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ALL Paramedics, EMTs, 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, the protocol for wearing the cover (Cap) indoors is as follows: uniformed personnel should wear the cap indoors to uphold a professional appearance; those who wear a baseball cap or non-Class A uniforms should remove their caps indoors to maintain uniform standards.
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, emphasizing the importance of proper protocol to honor the fallen appropriately.
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When you approach the casket of the fallen brother/sister, you stop respectfully, say a short prayer, put on your hat to show reverence, 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 "final salute," you wear your cover during the entire procession of uniformed personnel marching by the casket or urn. Remove the cover once in the 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, I removed the cover while seated. To wear your cover during a eulogy is a matter of choice; however, it is recommended to coordinate with other personnel giving eulogies in a Class A uniform to maintain uniformity and proper decorum.
