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 within our community.

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From solemn ceremonies to public celebrations, our Honor Guard ensures that the sacrifices and service of EMS personnel are recognized with dignity.

 

The Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association, Inc. (WIEMSHG) is proud to collaborate with services and families to honor EMS providers.

 

Our duties include Line of Duty Death funerals, memorial services, parades and public events, wreath-laying ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, award banquets, dedications, and participation in state and 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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Members of the WIEMSHG are required to maintain “Ceremonial Composure” during all types of events, even when grief-stricken family members openly express their sorrow over the loss of a loved one. This shared commitment fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and support among members across Wisconsin.

 

Generally, members are assigned to am district closest to their home. We aim to have each district maintain a roster of members available for local events within their communities. Each district’s standards are upheld by the Director and Training Officer, and larger districts may also have an executive officer to assist the Director. Many districts employ a non-denominational chaplain who supports families and services, as well as providing CISD briefings and personal counseling to our members as needed.

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With EMS services located throughout the state, we cover a large area.

To facilitate practice and performance opportunities closer to home,

we have divided the state into districts.

In the event of a Line of Duty Death, we bring all districts together,

ensuring that we drill and dress uniformly as an association.

 

We invite EMS personnel and volunteers of all experience levels to join

the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association, offering detailed

information to help you decide to participate. 

Opportunities include: 
- Color Guard (flags) and Honor Guard (rifle bearers)
- Bagpipers, percussionists, bugle/trumpet...
- District Directors and Training Officers
- Chaplains (District and State Level) - no EMS license is required, but it can be helpful
- Other volunteers, including lawyers, accountants, and individuals with specialized skills to support our 501(c)(3) organization.

We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds, whether you have previous experience in the military, high school or college marching bands, flag squads, or none at all. We are a non-profit volunteer organization with high standards, and EMS providers at all levels, including retired personnel, are encouraged to apply.

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Joining our organization offers uniform services for the fallen, national recognition, tax-exempt status, and a larger support network for the entire state, ensuring that all fallen providers receive dignified final honors. Your involvement helps us honor those who serve, making your contribution both meaningful and appreciated.

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TIME COMMITMENT

To ensure we provide the most dignified service with a strong focus on detail, you are required to attend a minimum of three district training drills each year, as well as at least one of the two statewide drill sessions offered. Typically, district drills are held once per quarter.

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Participation in these drills can occur within your district or in neighboring districts, allowing for less extensive travel. If your work or family schedule makes it difficult to attend your assigned district’s drills, you have the option to participate in a drill in a neighboring district. Please refer to our policies for more information.

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Participation in drills at the district level, involving multiple districts, or at statewide events is voluntary. This allows you to prioritize your work and family commitments while still engaging meaningfully.

We want to provide this flexibility to support your personal commitments and encourage your active involvement.

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

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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. 

 

Our official patch and logo are copyrighted and may not be used without the state commander’s approval.

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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 with (2) sets 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. Quality you can trust and comfort you'll feel.

• 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.

• Red Polo short, our Class C uniform, with color logo on left chest and lettering on the back WISCONSIN EMS HONOR GUARD. Sharp, quality shirts that will last for years and is noticeable in a crowd, we wear these shirts at official functions when a Class A uniform is not needed.

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Some ambulance service provide the funds for you, 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 about $35 a month. Honor Guard members have many choices and options for purchase.

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The IRS allows tax deductions to volunteers of eligible organizations (501 (c))(3), if the uniform is not used for any other purpose, and it is worn while working for the organization. These uniforms qualify for tax deductions.​

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All uniforms and accessories are available to order on our Members Only page, under order uniform tab. We have payment processing partners that all for PayPal Pay Later or Affirm payment options allowing you to buy now and pay over time. The options include Members soft shell jackets, t-shirts, replacement uniform pieces such as gloves, shoes, belts, cap, and all uniform parts you could ever need.

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You'll need a password to enter the page, please be sure to "Join the website" or see your district director for the password, or contact us here approval of access.

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BENEFITS

You will find camaraderie in the WI EMS Honor Guard! Sharing this service fosters a strong sense of belonging and pride among members.Join the WI EMS Honor Guard and discover a wonderful community! Together, we build lasting friendships and an amazing sense of pride and belonging. We can't wait to welcome you!

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