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HomeMy WebLinkAbout114.002 - Memorial Procedures ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH/CRITICAL INJURY 114.002 MEMORIAL PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007 Current Revision Date: 01/27/21 Next Revision Date: 01/27/24 Author’s Name/Rank: Richard L. Cabral, Deputy Chief Review Level: 2 Administrative Staff: Leslie Oulashian Management Analyst II Section 114.002 Page 1 of 12 PURPOSE This procedure is used as a guide to manage funerals for active or retired members of the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department), providing for family support, and organization of the event. APPLICATION This procedure is to be followed for a Line-of-Duty Death (LODD), non-service- related death of an active member, or upon the request for memorial services for a retired member by their family. Funeral services can include memorial service, church service, cemetery services, and a reception. OPERATIONAL POLICY This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE This policy serves as a guide to organize and provide memorial services and support to family members during their time of need and should not be an inflexible set of procedures and expectations. The wishes of the deceased member and surviving family members along with the ability of the Department to fulfill those wishes should guide the Department’s participation in the memorial service. Administrative Manual, Section 106.142a, Line-of-Duty Death Preferences, Form (FD-80), should provide information about the deceased member’s wishes. In the event of an LODD or other funeral request, the Fire Chief or designated duty officer is to form a Memorial Incident Management Team to manage the event. The Department’s goal is to ensure the fallen member and their family receive support and tribute befitting their service and/or sacrifice. Section 114.002 Page 2 of 12 1. Memorial Incident Management Team: The Memorial Incident Management Team (IMT) is led by an incident commander assigned by the Fire Chief. The incident commander may be responsible for developing an Event Action Plan. The IMT is responsible for planning and implementing all related functions before, during, and after the funeral. The IMT, in coordination with the Family Support Liaison Officer (FSLO), presents various funeral service options to surviving family members and offers assistance in decision-making. Consideration should be given to assigning personnel to the following areas of responsibility: Memorial Incident Commander Church Division Traffic/Parking Group Cemetery Division Reception Division Family Liaison Officer Honor Guard Unit Leader Listed below is a brief description of responsibilities for each division and group and the Memorial Incident Commander. It is recommended a senior Honor Guard member be assigned to the Church Division Supervisor (Church DS) to assist in planning. 1. Memorial Incident Commander: Create Event Action Plan. Coordinate and guide the IMT planning. 2. Church Division Supervisor (Church DS): Coordinate activities with funeral home, Honor Guard, and traffic/parking group. Refer to FD-80 (H) task sheet for additional information. Section 114.002 Page 3 of 12 3. Traffic/Parking Group Supervisor (TGS): Work with law enforcement for funeral procession. Coordinate activities with Church Division, funeral home, and Reception Division. Refer to the FD-80 (I) task sheet for additional information. 4. Cemetery Division Supervisor (Cemetery DS) - Location of Internment: This section requires oversight, the establishment of teams, and team leaders. Coordinates activities with Honor Guard Unit Leader, Traffic Group, and Church Division. Refer to the FD-80 (J) task sheet for additional information. 5. Reception Division Supervisor (RDS): Works with rental supplier, caterer, and Traffic group. If Department members provide food and beverages, assign positions to coordinate each. Refer to the FD-80 (K) task sheet for additional information. 6. Family Liaison Officer: Communication link between family members and Memorial Management Team. Assist family with decision making. Facilitate family support. Refer to the FD-80 (D) task sheet for additional information. Honor Guard Unit Leader Section 114.002 Page 4 of 12 PROCESS 1. Funeral Service Levels Funeral service options listed below will be provided pending availability of equipment, apparatus, personnel, and approval of the IC. Any services requested not listed or above the service level must be approved by the IC. (The photographs included are examples only.) Funeral service levels are available to members and classified as follows: Level 1: A LODD or job-related death. This may include an inactive member whose death has stemmed from an injury sustained during active duty. Level 2: A non-job-related death of an active member. Level 3: A non-job-related death of an inactive or affiliate member. Funeral Service Levels Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 American Flag American Flag American Flag Badge Shrouds Badge Shrouds Badge Shrouds Bagpipers Bell Service Apparatus Standby Bell Service Eulogy Honor Guard Bugler/Taps Apparatus Standby Pallbearers, Honorary Last Alarm Dispatch Last Alarm Dispatch Crossed Ladders Honor Guard Eulogy Honor Detail Fire Engine Caisson Pallbearers, Honorary Apparatus Standby Honor Guard Honor Detail Pallbearers, Active Vehicle Bunting Walkthrough Section 114.002 Page 5 of 12 2. American Flag: The flag is available with Levels 1, 2, and 3. The American flag can be staged either folded/held by the Honor Guard or draped/displayed over a casket. At the time of services, the flag is to be folded and handed over to the Fire Chief or designee for presentation to the family. When presenting the flag to the family members the following statement will be communicated: “On behalf of the City of Fresno, and a grateful Department, we offer this flag in honor and respect of your (husband/wife/son/daughter’s) service.” 3. Badge Shrouds: The shroud is available with Levels 1, 2, and 3. A 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch black strip of material will be worn horizontally around the badges of members in attendance at an LODD function. The shroud is to appear on uniform badges at the time of notification of the death and is to remain on the uniform badges until after the funeral and final committal. Section 114.002 Page 6 of 12 4. Bagpipers This service is available with Level 1 only. Bagpipe music is a ceremonial tradition of the fire service. Bagpipers may accompany and play music during the movement of the casket and, if desired, during various points throughout services (e.g., processional, postlude, graveside, etc.). 5. Bell Service: This service is available with Levels 1 and 2 only. The ringing of a fire service bell is used to signify the completion of a decedent’s work. Section 114.002 Page 7 of 12 6. Bugler: This service is available with Level 1 only. A bugler is to provide “Taps” at the location of interment. 7. Crossed Ladders: This service is available with Level 1 only. Two aerial trucks with extended ladders crossed can be located at or en route to the cemetery. The American flag is to be displayed from the apex of extended ladders. Section 114.002 Page 8 of 12 8. Eulogy: This service is available with Levels 1 and 2 only. As part of a funeral service, service members, friends, and family members can speak in remembrance of, or on behalf of, the decedent as part of the funeral ceremony. 9. Fire Engine Caisson: This service is available with Level 1 only. The use of a Department apparatus is to be used to carry the casket of a decedent. Options for apparatus to fulfill this function are an antique hose wagon, the decedent’s last assigned apparatus, or an engine. Section 114.002 Page 9 of 12 10. Apparatus Standby: This service is available with Levels 1, 2, and 3. An active-duty truck or engine company is to be present during the funeral service. 11. Honor Guard: This service is available with Levels 1, 2, and 3. The Honor Guard performs this service, and includes one- or two-members standing guard over the casket during funeral services. Usually, multiple sentries rotate through the position due to the length of most ceremonies. Section 114.002 Page 10 of 12 12. Honor Guard Detail: This service is available with Levels 1 and 2 only. These are Department members in attendance at a funeral who respond to the Honor Guard command call to attention to pay tribute. 13. Pallbearers, Active: This service is available with Level 1 only. Uniformed members are to be assigned to carry the casket at funeral services. Section 114.002 Page 11 of 12 14. Pallbearers, Honorary: This service is available with Levels 1, 2, and 3. Uniformed members lead the casket through a procession during funeral services. 15. Vehicle Bunting: This service is available with Level 1 only. The display of mourning drapes on the fire apparatus participating in caisson service. Section 114.002 Page 12 of 12 16. Walkthrough: This service is available with Level 1 only. This procession is to be at a predetermined time during a funeral service when uniformed members and dignitaries enter for a unified tribute. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS-REFERENCES Administrative Manual Section 106.142a, Line-of-Duty Death Preferences, Form (FD-80) Section 114.001, LODD - Critical Injury – Initial Actions City of Fresno Administrative Order No. 8-9, Flying of the American Flag at City Facilities