The Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard proudly participates in a variety of events that honor, remember, and celebrate the dedication of first responders across Wisconsin and at some national events.

 

From solemn ceremonies to public celebrations, our guard ensures that the sacrifices and service of EMS personnel are recognized with dignity. WIEMSHG is proud to work alongside other state honor guards to create a joint guard for state events. Line of Duty Death Funerals, Memorial Services, Parades & Public Events, Wreath Laying Ceremonies, Graduation Ceremonies, Award Banquets & Dedications, State & Local Government Events. With precision and discipline, the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard upholds the highest traditions of emergency medical services, paying tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for their communities.

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WIEMSHG members must also maintain “Ceremonial Composure” during all types of events, even when a grief-stricken family member erupts in tears over the loss of their loved one. We’ve divided the state of Wisconsin into districts.

 

Generally, members are assigned to the team closest to their home. Our attempt is for each district to maintain a roster of members available for local events within their communities. The standards are maintained in each district by the Director and Training Officer. Larger districts may also have an executive officer who assists the Director. Many districts also have a non-denominational chaplain who assists families, services, and our members as needed.

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With EMS services located all over our state, we have a large area to cover. We divided the state into Districts to allow members opportunities to practice and perform closer to home. When a LODD occurs we bring all districts together, thus we drill and dress alike through the association.

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We are looking for members at all levels of interest to participate in the WI EMS Honor Guard. We need EMS personnel to perform as 

• Color Guard (flags) and Honor Guard (Rifle barrier) members

• Bagpiper(s)  and Percussionist 

• District Directors and District Training Officers

• Chaplains (District and State Level) (does not need to have EMS license, but helpful)

• Other volunteers include lawyers, accountants, and other specialized talents needed to maintain a large 501(c)3.

 

No matter your previous experience via the military, high school/college marching bands, flag squads, or no experience at all, we are looking for talented persons to join. We are a non-profit, it is a volunteer organization with high standards. EMS providers at all levels are welcome to apply, even if retired!

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Being under our umbrella offers uniformity of services to the fallen, National recognition, tax-exempt status, and more members to support the entire state so that all fallen providers may have dignified final honors. Hope to hear from you soon!

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TIME COMMITMENT 

In order to provide the most dignified service with sharp attention to detail you will be expected to attend at least three district training drills per year, and at least one of two statewide drill sessions offered. Generally, district drills are once per quarter.

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The districts allow for drill participation without extensive travel. You may attend drill in a neighboring district if your work/family schedule doesn’t always allow you to participate in your assigned district. See policies.

 

Your district, a combination of districts, or statewide events are voluntary, meaning work and family functions may need to come first. That is understood, and that is why we maintain a larger number of members, ensuring we always have a minimum number for functions that each district director may choose to participate in.

 

Please review our policies to understand the structure of the WIEMSHG.

 

UNIFORMS 

One of the first questions asked. First, we expect you to participate in several drills with your district to ensure you have the skills and discipline necessary to be a member of the WIEMDHG. After you complete the member evaluations skills sheet checked off by your District Director and Training Officer, you’ll be allowed to purchase a uniform.

 

This will be at least 4-6 months before you are ready to perform, so ordering a Class A uniform is not the first order in our prioritizes.

 

We have two suppliers that carry all the components for our Class A uniforms. You must purchase a uniform from one of those vendors as they have our custom striping, caps. patches, etc.

 

All apparel must be approved; therefore, you may purchase “merch” from our online store only. Our official patch and logo are copyrighted and may not be used without the state commander’s approval.

 

The cost of the uniform varies depending on size, rank, and other factors. We provide the cap device, badge, name tag, shoulder cord, and patches free of charge, which account for approximately $150 of the uniform cost. Many members can write off the tax costs, depending on their tax situation.

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Some members’ ambulance service provides the funds, or part of the funds. Some services are willing to assist members by running a fundraiser, such as a chill or spaghetti feed, or by approaching local businesses on your behalf to raise funds. Upon leaving or being removed from the honor guard, members are required to return the pieces of the uniforms supplied by the state association (cover device, shoulder cord, patches (4), badge, name tag, and ID, etc.)  

 

The state occasionally offers rebates to members on uniforms and may purchase your uniform upon your departure from the WIEMSHG. Don’t let the uniform cost keep you from participating; we're creative about finding help. Please refer to the uniform policy for more information.

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So COSTS?  

The total cost of a complete Class A uniform is approximately will range from $450 to $750 depending on sizes, rank/position, and other factors. Reduced by what the Association provides (150 value), reduced by rebates, reduced by what your service or department might pitch in, reduced by fundraising.

 

Your mileage to practice/drill or events is not reimbursed, but you may be able to write it off your taxes. 

 

BENEFITS

You’ll find camaraderie in the WI EMS honor guard! We provide a unique service, and, just like EMS in the public safety and Healthcare fields, we're rarely appreciated until the time of need. At that time the feeling of pride in presenting colors or in caring for departments and families can’t be described. Feel the pride of this unique service.  We welcome you to the WIEMSHG.

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