Join the Honor Guard 
What's my commitment to joining the Honor Guard?

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The Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard proudly participates in events that honor, remember, and celebrate first responders, inspiring pride and respect in our community.

 

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. This shared commitment can foster a strong sense of camaraderie and support among members across Wisconsin.

 

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 requested with CISD briefings and personal counseling.

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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 invite EMS personnel and volunteers at all experience levels to join the WI EMS Honor Guard, providing detailed info to help you decide to participate. 

• 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 an 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 in the military, high school/college marching bands, flag squads, or none at all, we are looking for talented individuals to join. We are a non-profit 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 uniform 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. Your involvement helps us honor those who serve, making your contribution meaningful and appreciated.

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TIME COMMITMENT 

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 the two statewide drill sessions offered. Generally, district drills are held 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, allowing you to prioritize work and family while still participating meaningfully.

 This flexibility is designed to support your personal commitments and encourage your involvement.

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

 

UNIFORMS 

To become a full member, participate in district drills to demonstrate your skills; after evaluation by your District Director and Training Officer, you’ll be eligible to purchase a uniform.

 

We have a bidding process for uniform suppliers of Class A EMS uniforms. We conduct bidding from time to time to ensure our members have high-quality uniforms at the best possible prices. You must purchase a uniform from one of those vendors, as they offer 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.

 

We have two uniform options in our Members Only area.

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OPTION 1: A complete uniform from head to toe.

• EMS naval cap, white with black bill, blue/gold chin strap, custom cap device, and EMS buttons.

• White uniform shirt perm press. With our custom patches and a set of gold medical caducei. ​

• Class A suit coat is made of a blended material that will last a lifetime. Dark Navy in color, it has custom striping indicating rank and service.

• Also with the jacket come a set of medical caduceus, (2) color name tags, and a WI EMS Honor Guard badge insignia and a shoulder cord. 

• Uniform pants with perma crease, custom WI EMS HG striping finish a professional look for our guard members,

• High glass Oxford shoes from Bates

• White parade gloves, which allow us to hold rifles, flags, sabers, and other equipment, especially noticeable when we give a final salute to the fallen provider.

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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, badge insignia and ID, etc).  

 

Through our partner payment systems, members can qualify for low- or no-interest APR payment programs starting at $35 a month. Honor Guard members have many choices and options for purchase.

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OPTION 2: The entire uniform, minus the high glass Oxford shoes and leather duty belt. This allows them to choose footwear for their comfort, following strict guidelines for high-gloss shoes or boots.

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COSTS

We request bids to provide uniforms and equipment, ensuring the quality of products and equipment, and the best possible prices.

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BENEFITS

You’ll find camaraderie in the WI EMS honor guard! Sharing this service creates a strong sense of belonging and pride among members.