Site Map Icon
RSS Feed icon
Current Run Volume for WBFD:

Total runs For 2016: 7845

Total runs for 2017: 8287

Total runs for 2018: 8515

Total Runs for 2019: 8787

Total Runs for 2020: 8423

Total Runs For 2021: 8987

Total Runs for 2022:

Total Runs for 2023: 9550

 Runs this year thus far : 8

Action Center
UnionActive IAFF Newswire
Honor Guard of the West Bloomfield Professional Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 1721

   

The Honor Guard consists of Bill Gracher; Dennis Cotton & Mark Lawry; Blake Belsky; Tanya Heinig ; Tim Torok, Aaron Pressel, Brian Kyle, Paul Bischer, Matt Miller, and Kris Marrs.




 
Feb 27, 2007

Our mission is to bring and preserve the highest Honor and Dignity

to the flag of our country.

To Honor with the highest dignity our fallen

brothers and sisters and those who serve our great country.

By representing the highest quality of attitude, professionalism and dress

that the West Bloomfield Professional Firefighters Honor Guard can

offer.


Feb 27, 2007

If we are not perfect,
Then we should be practicing more.
If we are unwilling to practice more,
Then we are not committed to being our best.
If we are not committed to being our best,

Then we should resign our post.

 




          THE BEST WE CAN DO.... IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO 

Sep 09, 2014
.
Jul 13, 2007

A Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child, before it is too late, Or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me, To guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if according to my fate, l am to lose my life, Please Bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife.

       AMEN

                                                                 -----Author Unknown                      

Chief Croker Quote

                    "I have no ambition but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work, which a firefighter has to do believe that it is a noble calling. There is an adage which states that 'Nothing can be destroyed except by fire'. We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world, which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor. We are defenders from fire, of the art, which has beautified the world, the product of the the genius of men and the means of the refinement of mankind. But, above all, our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men and women - the work of God himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society."

Edward F. Croker

FDNY

Chief of Department

(1899 - 1911)

A Fire Officer's Pledge

I promise concern for others. A willingness to help all those in need.

I promise courage - courage to face and conquer my fears.

Courage to share and endure the ordeal of those who need me.

I promise strength - strength of heart to bear whatever burdens might be placed upon me.

Strength of body to deliver to safety all those placed within my care.

I promise the wisdom to lead, the compassion to comfort, and the love to serve.

Unselfishly whenever I am called.

- Author Unknown

                                                                                        

Labor

Labor is prior to, and indepedant of, capital. Capital is the only fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.

                                                  --- Abraham Lincoln.

The Door That Never Closes

There's a door that never closes, though it opens but one way. It's the door that leads to heaven, at the end of life's long day. It's the threshold of forever, where the heart is always glad. It's a respite for the weary, and a comfort for the sad. It's the door to peace and healing, and the door to joy and grace. Where the master greets each guest by name, with a warm embrace. And the loved ones who pass through, into the light that's shining there, find a sweet and perfect home, within our Father's loving care.

----Author Unknown

For most of us, the issue is not between the "good" and the "bad,

but between the "good" and the "best".

So often, the enemy of the best is the good

---Steven Covey

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

  

                                                   

      St. Florian

        Patron Saint of Firefighters


Mar 26, 2007

.   

The following events were attended or performed by the West Bloomfield Professional Firefighters Honor Guard to pay respect to our Nations Flag and the people who have lost their lives fearlessly defending our country and protecting the public.

Ceremonies, Presentations and Postings:

 - Michigan Professional Firefighters Union 6th District Meeting: Presentation of National Colors prior to Union Meeting; 2001

- 9/11 Memorial at Temple Israel: Presentation of National Colors prior to memorial in rememberance of the many lives lost during the events of September 11th 2001; 2002

- New York Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Day, New York City: Participated with other Honor Guards from across the U.S.A. and world in a memorial service dedicated to the events of September 11th 2001; 2002

- Great Lakes Burn Camp:  Participated with other Honor Guards in presentation of National Colors during opening ceremonies for the camps 10 year celebration; 2004

- Memorial Day Parade & Flag Raising, Keego Harbor & Sylvan Lake: Raise National Colors at Keego Harbor Veterans Memorial, then lead parade carrying National Colors, and Union Flag;  2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

- West Acres Sub Division 4th of July, West Bloomfield: Marching with National Colors while leading the Independance Day Parade; 2002

- Pine Lake Cemetary:  Rasing National Colors. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013

- West Bloomfield Town Hall: Raising of National Colors; 2004

- Station 9 Fire Safety Week Open House: Raising of National Colors; 2004

- Six members of the W.B.P.F.F.U. Honor Guard attend formal training in Goshen Indiana: Hosted by the Goshen Police Department Honor Guard; 2005.

- MDA Telethon Donation: Presented a check for all the money raised by the firefighters of Local 1721 to MDA during live T.V. broadcast; 2005

- Firefighter's Park Dedication Keego Harbor: Presentation of National Colors; 2005

- Fire Station 5 Dedication: Raising of National colors in Apparatus Bay; 2005

- Off probation ceremony WBFD Sta.5:  Presentation of National Colors prior to Fire Department members recieving their badge and officially being taken off probation after 1 year of service; 2005

- Honor Guard attended Firefighters Memorial in Roscommon, MI; 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

- One member of Honor Guard sent to attend formal training by the Goshen Police Departmet Honor Guard: Goshen, IN; 2005

- Members of WBFD Honor Guard attended graduation from formal training of above mentioned Honor Guard member: Goshen, IN; 2005

- Fallen Heroes Memorial, Oakland County municipal offices property:  Attended unveiling of new memorial wall. Participated in annual ceremonies for public safety professionals from Michigan who have lost their lives; 2005. 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014

- Special Honors for WBFD Fire Chief James Poppelreiter, 44 years of service:  West Bloomfield Townhall.  Posted National Colors prior to ceremony for our Fire Chief; 2005

- Shop with a Firefighter event:  Shopping at Meijer with donated money and a pizza party with underprivileged kids and their families during December Holidays; 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

- Five members of the Honor Guard sent to formal training by the Goshen Police Department Honor Guard: Goshen, IN; 2006

- Members of the Honor Guard attended graduation from formal training of above mentioned members:  Goshen, IN; 2006

- Veterans Day:  Keego Harbor Memorial Garden. Raising of National Colors, lead parade; 2006, 2007

- Green Elementary at Town Hall: Raising of National Colors prior to students dedicating a memorial tree; 2006

- J.C.C. Local Heroes appreciation/ book fair & book signing ceremony:  Posted National Colors prior to guest speakers presenting at the book fair.  Jewish Community Center gathering room.  West Bloomfield; 2006

- West Bloomfield High school football games and band competitions: Presentation of National Colors prior to National Anthem being performed (multiple games and competitions); 2004, 2005, 2006

- Gus Macker Basketball Tournaments: Presentation of National Colors prior to National Anthem being performed.  Assisted by members of the West Bloomfield Police Department Honor Guard; 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

- Michigan Week Celebration / Flag Raising:  Presenting and raising of National Colors at West Bloomfield Town Hall and Veterans Memorial Rock in Keego Harbor followed by presentation from guest speakers; 2007

- Memorial Day flag raising ceremony at Pine Lake Cemetary:  Raising of National Colors at Pine Lake Cemetary in honor of our military pesonnel who are, or have served our country;  2007, 2013

- West Bloomfield Police & Firefighters Foundation Fundraiser at Marshbank Park:   Presentation of the National Colors during opening ceremonies for the fundraiser; 2006, 2007, 2008

- National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Emmitsburg Maryland:Three members from the Honor Guard participated with other Honor Guards and thousands of Firefighters from around the country to pay tribute and honor all the Firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty in 2006.  www.firehero.org ; 2007

- Newest member of the Honor Guard sent to Goshen Indiana for formal training with Goshen P.D. Honor Guard; 2007

- West Bloomfileld Highschool Regional Band Competition: Presentation of National Colors prior to the beginning of the competition.  Assisted by W.B. Police Honor Guard; 2007

- West Bloomfield Township 175th Birthday:  Presentation of national colors along with the West Bloomfield Police Honor Guard; 2008

- West Bloomfield Optimist Club Honors Breakfast: Presentation of national colors along with the West Bloomfield Police Honor Guard; 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

-9/11 Memorial Ceremony: Presentation of colors honoring those lost on 9/11/2001, participation with many police and fire honor guards; 2008

-Keego Harbor New City Hall Dedication: Presentation of colors; October,  2008

-Swearing In Ceremony for New Township Board: Presentation of colors, leading of pledge of allegiance. November 20, 2008

-Opening Ceremonies for the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs: Presentation of colors with Southfield and Farmington Hills Honor Guards. 2010, 2011

-National 9/11 Flag Tour sewing ceremony: Presentation of colors, stand guard and sew to repair flag. 2011

-9/11 Ceremony and unveiling of World Trade Center Steel: Presentation of colors, Bell Ceremony, Taps, Gun salute (P.D.) Unveiling of steel memorial. September 11, 2011

- West Bloomfield Optimist Club Annual Dinner: Presentation of National colors with West Bloomfield Police Honor Guard. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

-West Bloomfield High School Public Safety Night and Homecoming: Lead parade and presentation of National Color with West Bloomfield Police Honor Guard. Police and fire static dispalys. 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

-West Bloomfield Fire Station 5: Promotion ceremony for new officers. Present colors, Pledge of Allegiance. October 4, 2013

-West Bloomfield Township Hall: Dedication of unknown soldier memorial. Flag raising, November 11, 2013

- Orchard Lake Salvation Army Store: Surprise Pay. Pay for items for customers. December 22, 2013

-West Bloomfield Fire Station 5: Retirement ceremony for Sgt. Kathy McCormick. Presentation of the National color, Pledge of Allegiance. March 28, 2014

- Birmingham, Michigan: "Celebrate Birmingham Festival" Parade. Lead parade with national and state colors. Worked with West Bloomfiled Police Honor Guard. May 18, 2014

- West Bloomfield Township, Michigan: Promotion Ceremony. Presented colors. 1 Promoted to Assistant Chief. 1 to EMS Captain. 1 to Sergeant. 1 to Sgt./Inspector. 1 to Firefighter/Inspector. June 19, 2014

- West Bloomfield Township, Michigan: Media Day rollout for the L.A.S.T. Trailer (Last Alarm Services Trailer) Presented to area departments and  Fire Chiefs. Mock funeral demonstration of Honor Guard skills and tasks. Worked with area police and fire Honor Guards. June 24, 2014

- Honor Guard Camp: 1 new member attended formal training. November 3-7 2014

- West Bloomfield Township, Michigan: Off probation ceremony for three new members. Daniel Oleksiak, Cameron Carson, Matthew Hayes. Presentation of the national color. November 4, 2014

- West Bloomfield Township: St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store Surprise Pay. Honor Guard members pay for purchases of customers.       December 22, 2014

- Off probation and promotion ceremony: 1 to Deputy Fire Marshall, 2 to Captain, 1 to Lieutenant, 2 to Sergeant, 1 off Probation. Congratulations to all. January 14, 2014

- West Bloomfield Township Off probation ceremony: Matthew Kawiecki off probation. Congratulations Matt. April 7, 2014

- Keego Harbor, Michigan Memorial Day parade & flag raising: Lead parade, flag raising at Keego Harbor City Hall. 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

- Hamburg Township, 9/11 Mobile Memorial: presented colors at opening ceremony June 20, 2015

- West Bloomfield Township, Promotion and retirement ceremony: 1 to Lieutenant, 1 to Sergeant/Inspector, 1 to Sergeant, 1 retirement (Congratulations Lieutenant Joe Stanley 25+ years of service). June 22, 2015

- West Bloomfield Township, promotion and retirement ceremony: 1 to Fire Marshall, 1 to Deputy Fire Marshall, 1 to Fire Inspector, 2 retirements: Congratulations Fire Marshall Pat Riney 28 years of service. Lieutenant Rich Paul 26 years of service. November 30, 2015

- West Bloomfield Township, promotion/retirement ceremony: 1 to Lieutenant, 1 to Sergeant. 2 retirements: Congratulations Tracie Dawe 18 years of service. Lt. Vince Ottoboni 26 years of service. February 1, 2016

- West Bloomfield Township, Firefighter Confirmation. 4 Firefighters off Probation. Congratulations: Cody Ferguson, Brian Jewell, Bobby Stimbert, Brandon Lisjak. 2016

- Farmington Hills, Michigan. Glen Oaks County Park. Michigan week breakfast. Fire and police honor guards worked together to present the national and state colors. May 26, 2016

- West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Promotion/retirement ceremony: 1 to Captain, 1 to Lieutenant, 1 to Sergeant. 1 retirement: Congratulations Captain Dan Dawe 29 years of service. June 30, 2016

- West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Off probation ceremony. Congratulations: Jacob Plater, David Coster, Wilbert Porter. August 17, 2016

- Detroit, Michigan Comerica Park. Fire Sergeant Aaron Pressel sang the National Anthem to start the game. Sang God Bless America at seventh inning stretch. September 11, 2016

- Novi, Michigan Suburban Collection Showplace. Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs conference. Presentation of the colors opening ceremony. March 1, 2017

- West Bloomfield Township, Mi. Awards ceremony and Family fun Night. Presentation of the colors, assist with award presentation. March 3, 2017

- West Bloomfield Township, Mi. Off probation ceremony. Presentation of the national color. Congratulations: Michael Starkel, Carly Mocny, Aaron Mann, Kevin Chenet, Greg Lapointe, Eric Stange, Alex Heber, Jeremy Adkins. July 11, 2017

- Troy, Michigan. Oakland County Medical Control Authority. State of the county address. Presentation of the national color. October 5, 2017

- West Bloomfield Township, Mi. Promotion/retirement ceremony. Presentation of the national color, assist Chief with award presentations. Captain Hal Burtzloff retirement after 37+ years of service. Matthew Majestic promoted to Captain, Jeff Bailey promoted to Lieutenant, Matthew Miller promoted to Sergeant. November 22, 2017

W.B.F.D.  Retirement parties attended:

- Captain Don Richardson 2004.  (26 years of service)

- Captain Mike McClain 2005.   (27 years of service)

- Lieutenant Tim Morgan 2005.  (25 years of service)

- Fire Marshal Ted Gauthier 2006.  (28 years of service)

- Captain John Bigger 2006. (28 years of service)

- Captain Bruce Bay 2006.  (26 years of service)

- Lieutenant Charles Cassavoy 2006.  (29 years of service)

- Lieutenant Mike Pryor 2006.  (26 years of service)

- Sergeant Greg Johnson 2006.   (29 years of service)

- Lieutenant Tom Richey 2007   (29 years of service)

- Assistant Chief Ray Riggs 2009  (29 years of service)

- Captain Mike Flynn 2009  (29 years of service)

- Fire Chief James Poppelreiter 2010 (44 years of service)

- Deputy Fire Marshall David Olson 2011 (25 years of service)

- Lieutenant Mark Gahan 2011 (26 years of service)

- Sergeant Kathleen McCormick 2014 (21 years of service)

- Captain Michael Watson 2014 (27 years of service)

- Fire Chief Jay Wiseman 2015 (25 years of service)

- Fire Marshall Pat Riney 2015 (28 years of service)

-Executive Assistant Dora Montgomery 2017 (28 years of service)

May you all have a long, healthy and safe retirement.  

Funerals Attended / Participated in Honoring Fallen Firefighters & Police Officers:  

Together we Honor those who gave all   

  LODD = Line of Duty Death.

- Royal Oak Fire Department, MI.   Fire Marshal Larry Zimmerman 2003.    LODD

- Bloomfield Township Police Department, MI.   Police Officer Gary Davis 2004.   LODD

- Detroit Fire Department, MI. Firefighter Stephen Uhl 2005.  

- Southfield Fire Department, MI.   Retired Lieutenant Jim McRoberts 2005.   

- Ann Arbor Fire Department, MI.   Firefighter Amy Pennywhitt 2006.    LODD

- South Bend Police Department, IN.   Police Officer Scott Severns 2006.    LODD

- Windsor Police, Canada.   Constable John Atkinson 2006.    LODD

- Detroit Fire Department, MI.   Firefigher Joseph Torkos 2007.   LODD

- Camp LeJeune, NC.  Firefighter Michael Henderson (of Commerce Twp.) 2007.   

- Tri-City Fire Department, MI.   Retired Assistant Fire Chief John Kessel 2007.

- Ypsilanti Fire Department, MI.  Firefighter Rick Lapensee 2007.

-Detroit Fire Department, MI.  Senior Firefighter Walter P. Harris 2008 LODD

-West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI.  Retired Lieutenant Roscoe Hunt 2011 

-Redford Township Fire Department, MI.  Active Duty Firefighter Michael Bettley 2011

-West Bloomfield Township Police Department, MI.  Sgt. Patrick O'Rourke 09-09-12 LODD

-West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI.  Retired Fire Chief, Carl Borg 09-11-12

-Canton Township Fire Department, MI.  Active Duty Firefighter Ryan Swick, 2013

-Detroit Fire Department, MI.  Retired Firefighter Gordon Brown 2013 

-Wayne Westland Fire Authority, MI.  Brian Woehlke 05-13-13 LODD

-Leroy Township Fire Department, MI. Gregory Flynn 05-30-13

- West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI.  Retired Firefighter Leonard Raupp 06-08-13

- Birmingham Fire Department, MI. Active Duty Firefighter Patrick Nagle 09-07-13

- West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI. Retired Firefighter Michael Marsh 06-16-14

- West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI. Retired Volunteer Firefighter Don Piggott 2014

- Alpena Township Fire Department, MI. Active Duty Firefighter Bob Kaszubowski 2014

- West Bloomfield Township Fire Department, MI. Retired Volunteer Firefighter Ray "Marty" Westlake 2014

- Birmingham Fire Department, Mi. Active Duty Firefighter Evan Patrick Johnesee 11-26-14

- West Bloomfiled Township Fire Department, Mi. Active Duty Fire Lieutenant Jeffrey R. Hiltner 02-26-16

- Milford Fire Department, Mi. Firefighter/EMT Ron Savage 02-02-17 LODD

- West Bloomfield Fire Department, Mi. Retired Fire Captain Rob Helson 12-19-17

- Memorial service was attended for the following 9 Charleston, South Carolina Firefighters that died in the line of duty June 18th 2007.

  Fire Captain William Hutchinson 
  Fire Captain Mike Benke  
  Fire Captain Louis Mulkey
  Fire Engineer Mark Kelsey
  Fire Engineer Bradford Baity
  Fire Assistant Engineer Michael French
  Firefighter James Drayton
  Firefighter Brandon Thompson

 Firefighter Melven Champaign  

                 http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=1378

May all of our fallen Brothers and Sisters rest in peace.

"Here's to us and those like us..."


Feb 28, 2007

     In 2005 the members of the Honor Guard were looking for a way to give back to the community. We decided to start a "Shop With a Firefighter" program.  We take school children from families in need and let them go Christmas shopping. Each child has a $100 gift card to spend on presents for their family and themselves. Meijer corporation has donated 15-$100 gift cards since our first event. After shopping the children are taken back to one of our fire stations for a pizza party and to wrap their presents.  Donations are collected from the firefighters, fire administration, and the employees from West Bloomfield Town Hall. Original Romanos of Orchard Lake donates the food.  Entertainment Express donates our transportation trolley. As our program continues to grow we are able to help more families. This year we received a new donor in the Carhartt Corporation, they made a very generous donation to our program. In the future we will be able to do much more to help the entire family for the holidays and beyond. To see a video about the program http://civiccentertv.com/shop-with-a-firefighter-2014/

 

2005 - 12 Children

2006 - 20

2007 - 22

2008 - 23

2009 - 19

2010 - 20

2011 - 20

2012 - 20

2013 - 13 children and family

2014 - 20 children and family

2015 - 12 children and family

2016 - 12 children and family

We would like to thank all of our Donors:

The West Bloomfield Firefighters - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

The West Bloomfield Fire Department Administration - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Meijer - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

The Original Romanos - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Romana's - 2014

Jet's Pizza - 2015

West Bloomfield Township Hall Employees -  2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Entertainment Express Limousine - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Carhartt - 2013

Home Rehab Services of Michigan Birthday Club - 2013

Audette Cadillac - 2007

Sylvan Market - 2008

Orchard Lake Marathon - 2008

Busch's Market - 2008

Larry Peters of Novi - 2009

Glenda Grass of Keego Harbor - 2009

The Zora Family of Warren - 2009

Nicole Nelson - 2008, 2009

Ned's Flooring Removal 2014

     Also in 2007, we began a "back to school with a firefighter" program where we purchased bookbags and filled them with school supplies and dropped them off at local elementary schools to be handed out to children who needed them.

 


Feb 27, 2007

                                                 

    The Goshen Police Honor Guard Camp is located in Goshen, Indiana. All members of the West Bloomfield Honor Guard attend the camp. The five day camp teaches all aspects of Honor Guard duties including: basic drill, flag etiquette, color guard, casket movement and firing parties. The whole week leads up to the final day when the class performs a "full honors" funeral.  We cannot speak highly enough about this camp. Instructors come from the areas of fire and police honor guards to military honor guards and the "Old Guard". They are highly knowledgeable and well trained. The instructors were very supportive during and after the class. Once through the class everybody becomes part of "the honor guard family" More information about the camp can be found at:

www.honorguardtraining.com

  BASIC DRILL & CEREMONY

 FLAG FOLDING

 FLAG MOVEMENT

 COLOR GUARD

 CASKET MOVEMENT

 SIMULATED FUNERAL

   CLASS 05-05

  OUR FIRST SIX GRADUATES

    

 

 

 

 

                          


Jan 24, 2014

Mar 22, 2007

This Page is Under Constant Construction

Dates to display our National Color

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:

January 1 - New Years Day

January 20 - Inauguration Day

January 26 - State of Michigan Birthday; admission into union (State Holiday)

January: 3rd Monday - Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday

February 12 - Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

February: 3rd Monday -  George Washington's Birthday

March/April (Variable): Easter Sunday

May: 2nd Sunday - Mother's Day

May: 3rd Saturday - Armed Forces Day

May: Last Monday - Memorial Day (Half staff until 12:00 p.m.)

June 14 - Flag Day

July 4 - Independence Day

July 27 - Korean War Veteran's Day (Half staff all day)

September: 1st Monday - Labor Day

September 11 - Patriot Day (Half staff all day)

September 17 - Constitution Day

October: 2nd Monday - Columbus Day

October 27 - Navy Day

November 11 - Veteran's Day

November: 4th Thursday - Thanksgiving Day

December 7 - Pearl Harbor Day (Half staff all day)

December 15 - Peace Officer's Memorial Day (Half staff all day)

December 25 - Christmas Day

The flag should also be displayed on such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States, State Governors, and on State Holidays.

The 13 Folds of an American Flag. 

  • The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.  
  • The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 
  • The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. 
  • The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.  
  • The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong. 
  • The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 
  • The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. 
  • The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.  
  • The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 
  • The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. 
  • The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  
  • The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. 
  • The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

www.usflag.org United States Flag Code


Mar 07, 2007

Firefighter memorials honoring all of our fallen brothers and sisters from the fire service

Firefighter Memorials

Michigan State Firemen's Memorial

Roscommon, Michigan

Dedicated September 20, 1980

County Road 103 just off Exit 239 of I-75

Memorial festival third weekend in September

         www.firemensmemorial.org

   

MICHIGAN FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL

 

 Dedicated in 2002, this is the only statewide memorial in the State of Michigan that honors both law

enforcement and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

                               www.michiganfallenheroes.com

                                    1201 North Telegraph Road

                                       Pontiac, Michigan 48341

                                         Phone: 248-858-1947

  MACOMB'S HEROES MEMORIAL

This memorial honors all Macomb County Police Officers and

 Firefighters/EMS who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure

 our freedoms and way of life.

Macomb County Court Building

40 N. Main St.

Mount Clemens, Michigan

www.macombheroes.com

Illinois Firefighter Memorial

Capitol Avenue and Second Street

Springfield, Illinois        

National Memorials

National Fallen Firefighter Foundation

Emmitsburg, Maryland

 The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation offers guidance to Department's and families of those who have died in the line of duty.  There is also a memorial dedicated to 9/11 at this site.

        

                                             

www.firehero.org

IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

      

                                   

The IAFF holds an annual memorial service at the site to honor those who have died in the line of duty.


Apr 03, 2007

Honor Guard Equipment / Supplies:

www.paradestore.com/  - Glendale Supply Company (Uniforms / flags)

www.eagle-engraving.com/ - Eagle Engraving (lightweight axes/pikes)

www.libertyartworks.com/Pages/libertyartworkshome.html - Liberty Art Works (ceremonial supplies)

www.premier-emblem.com/ - Premier Emblem (Patches / Uniform Accessories)

www.thefirestore.com

Training / Education

www.Fireservicebooks.com (Training and education from the fire service)

www.dailydispatch.com (Local and national articles concerning fire department issues)

www.honorguardtraining.com (Goshen Indiana Police Department, all aspects of honor guard)

www.michiganstartpages.com/michigan/government/flag.htm (National and State of Michigan flag codes)

www.smokealarminfo.com (Smoke alarm testing and education for firefighters and public)

www.americancme.com (Free continuing education credits for EMS personnel)

www.sparky.org    Prevention of home fires NFPA

Firefighter Safety

www.firefighterclosecalls.com

www.respondersafety.com

www.ULfirefightersafety.com

www.firefighternation.com (News, Training, Community, Fire Rescue Magazine)

www.nationalnearmiss.org (Training, Training Bundles)

Firefighter Support

www.iaff.org (International Assosciation of Firefighters)

www.firefightercancersupport.org

www.icisf.org (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation)

www.firefightersupport.org

www.commongroundhelps.org

www.firehero.org (National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)

Fire/EMS Helpline 1-888-731 FIRE(3473)

www.2therescuemi.com 2 The Rescue Life saving training




Page Last Updated: Dec 05, 2014 (10:46:00)
Upcoming Events
No Events Found
<< October 2024 >>
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Action Center
Action Center
West Bloomfield Professional Fire Fighters Union
Copyright © 2024, All Rights Reserved.
Powered By UnionActive™

185819 hits since Nov 26, 2012
Visit Unions-America.com!

Top of Page image