Honor Guard Team
In early 1999, several Officers exhibited interest in forming an Honor Guard Unit. The desire was to develop a team to march in the various parades held through-out the year in Oshkosh. The group thought that the formation of an Honor Guard would provide a patriotic method of highlighting the role that our volunteer Officers play within our Community.
Unfortunately, several retired Auxiliary Officers were passing each year. On occasion, some family members had requested our Unit to be part of the funeral services for these retired members. When called upon, a trained Honor Guard would provide a dignified way for the Auxiliary Police Unit to honor the service of our past members.
As the Auxiliary Police Organization is a completely volunteer based organization, a fund raising effort was launched to provide funding to purchase flags and related equipment needed to field an Honor Guard. Community businesses and organizations were contacted. Necessary funds were raised quite quickly; most organizations contacted were very willing to contribute to this type of positive, community focused project.
The newly formed Oshkosh Auxiliary Police Honor Guard made their first appearance in the 2000 Memorial Day Procession.
In our attempt to enhance the performance of the Honor Guard Unit, we were made aware of a training opportunity conducted each year by the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. Two member of our Honor Guard Unit attended a formal Honor Guard Camp held at Camp Ripley near Brainerd Minnesota. The training classes were held September 19 -23, 2004. Upon completion, our two trained members returned and then trained the remainder of the Team on the procedures they learned.
The Auxiliary Police Honor Guard performs at a variety of different functions such as:
- Funerals for active and retired Auxiliary officers
- Parades and/or processions and various Community celebrations
Auxiliary Deputy Chief Scott Footit serves as the Team Commander. Our members are trained under the guidance of Oshkosh Police Department Lieutenant Brian Schuldes. Lt. Schuldes is the Commander of the Oshkosh Police Honor Guard Team.
Click here to visit the Wisconsin National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
