The Harris County Sheriff's Honor Guard was formed in
December 1977, primarily for the purpose of providing appropriate
honors for the funeral services of Harris County Sheriff's
deputies slain in the line of duty. That original duty was
expanded to include an escort of honor representing the Sheriff's
Office at funeral services for sworn peace officers from other
agencies. The Sheriff's Honor Guard attends many Texas Peace
Officers' funerals in the state as a tribute to the fallen
officers and their survivors. At the request of the Sheriff,
the Honor Guard renders complete ceremonial honors for police
agencies that do not have an Honor Guard.
The Sheriff's Honor Guard also makes appearances at parades,
academy graduations, and other public functions. The Honor
Guard proudly represents the Sheriff's Office at Peace Officer
Memorial Services from Austin to Washington D.C.
Dedicated volunteers all, they stand ready to represent
the Sheriff's Office in time of need, "Lest We Forget".
Honor Guard Command Staff
Commander: Lieutenant Ruben Diaz
Assistant Commander: Sergeant Bruce Carr
Marketing Coordinator: Lieutenant Debbie Schmidt
Secretary: Deputy Pat Schifani
Squad Leaders:
Sergeant Steve Pierson
Deputy Cedric Collier
Deputy Doug Hudson
Deputy Michael Middleton
Today the Honor Guard consists of two squads, which average
fifteen members each. Some members are assigned to a
color guard detail and a ceremonial firing detail, which
require additional training and practice. When activated,
the Honor Guard performs a variety of tasks, in the endless
effort to honor the fallen heroes of law enforcement and
their survivors. Members of the Harris County Sheriff's
Honor Guard spend many hours in military drill maneuvers
to maintain their high level of proficiency.
Color Guard Detail
The Color Guard detail consisting of six members and several
alternate members is responsible for carrying the United
States flag, the Texas flag, the Harris County Sheriff's
Office flag and the National Law Enforcement Memorial flag.
They are especially busy presenting the National Colors
at Academy graduations, parades and ceremonies, civic organizations
and public functions as requested. A battle streamer with the name of each fallen
officer is displayed atop the Sheriff’s Office flag in honor of their dedicated
service.
Ceremonial Firing Detail
The Gun Team consists of seven members and a Detail Commander.
The team uses 12 gauge stainless shotguns, which are
used to provide a 21-gun salute for "in the line
of duty" funerals. The spent shell casings are presented
to the family in a handmade case to memorialize the fallen
hero.
Buglers
The Sheriff's Honor Guard buglers are called upon to play
TAPS" at various funerals. According to officials at
the Arlington National Cemetery, "TAPS" went on
from its origin as an alternative to "Lights Out"
to become not only a signal that the day was done, but also
to say good-bye to a fallen comrade. The haunting sound
of its melody continues on long after the music has stopped.
It is just one more method used by the Sheriff's Honor Guard
to honor fallen heroes.
This website is dedicated to those fallen officers that
gave the ultimate sacrifice... "It is not how these
officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived."
Vivian Eney Survivor
The ancient customs and traditions of honors rendered at the
final parting of a fellow peace officer are the very least
we, who remain, can do to perpetuate the dignity that pervades
the brave and professional men and women who have dedicated
themselves to a life of service, or who have made the supreme
sacrifice for their fellow citizens.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Wall of Honor
Located at 1200 Baker Street
Fallen Peace
Officer's Memorial Link
