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Gold firefighter badge with "BTFD" at the top, "Fire" on the left, "Rescue" on the right, "Est. 1978" at the bottom, and a center image of a tree, water, and sunset. Text within says "Devoted to Duty Above Personal Risk.
The image displays the word "BLUFFTON" in capital letters with a gold-colored serif font on a white background.

Honor Guard

Honoring the Fallen. Representing with Pride.

Committed to Ceremony

Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Respect

The Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard stands as a powerful symbol of respect, professionalism, and solemn tribute. Whether presenting the colors at a public ceremony, leading a parade, or honoring a fallen firefighter during funeral services, the team represents the department with precision and pride. Through every polished movement and formal gesture, the Honor Guard embodies the core values of the fire service: duty, sacrifice, tradition, and unwavering honor. Their presence brings dignity to every occasion and serves as a reminder of the courage and commitment shared by those who serve.

Mission

It is the mission of the Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard to honor fire service members—both past and present—as well as the Town of Bluffton, with the highest degree of professionalism, dedication, loyalty, and dignity possible.
Six firefighters in formal dress uniforms, black jackets with red accents, white gloves, and hats, stand in formation on grass. Several people, including uniformed officers, are visible in the background.

History

Formed in 2001, the original five-member Honor Guard was led by former Fire Inspector David Williams, along with Firefighters Rick Cramer, Allen Cramer, Derek Franks, and Emerson Kovalanchik. The team was established in the wake of the September 11th attacks to pay tribute to fallen firefighters and has continued to serve proudly ever since.

Today, the Honor Guard has grown to include twelve dedicated members from within the department. They are called upon regularly to represent the Bluffton Township Fire District at funerals, parades, flag presentations, memorials, and community ceremonies, serving as ambassadors of tradition and remembrance.

Membership

Membership in the Honor Guard is open to all members of the Bluffton Township Fire District. To apply, personnel must:

  • Submit a completed Honor Guard application
  • Provide a letter of interest
  • Submit a letter of support from their Battalion Chief

All materials should be submitted through the proper chain of command to the Honor Guard Commander, who maintains the list of interested applicants. Participation in the Honor Guard is entirely voluntary but requires a high level of commitment and professionalism.