Honor Guard

Mission

It is the mission of the Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard to honor Fire service members, both past and present, and the Town of Bluffton, South Carolina with the highest degree of professionalism, dedication, loyalty, and dignity possible.

History

The Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard was formed in 2001. The five man team was headed up by former BTFD Fire Inspector David Williams.  Firefighters Rick Cramer, Allen Cramer, Derek Franks, and Emerson Kovalanchik made up the rest of the original team.  In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11th the department put together a detail that could honor the fallen firefighter brothers every year during local ceremonies for remembrance.   Today’s Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard consists of twelve members.  The Guard is comprised of Bluffton Township Fire District Firefighters and exists to honor the lives, the courage, and the sacrifice of Bluffton’s public safety and local military professionals. The Honor Guard responds to service requests for funerals, parades, dedication ceremonies, and other various venues for flag presentations each year.

Membership

Membership to the Honor Guard is open to any member of The Bluffton Township Fire District.  In order to become a member of the Honor Guard, personnel shall submit an application provided by the Honor Guard, a letter of interest, and a letter from their Battalion Chief supporting their request to join the Honor Guard. All paper work will be submitted to the Honor Guard Commander through the proper Fire Department Chain of Command.  The HG Commander will keep a list of people wanting to join the Guard.  It should be understood that membership in the Guard is voluntary