Boerne will welcome dozens of law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel from across the country next week, Nov. 2-7, for training with the National Honor Guard Academy.
An honor guard may present the flags at parades, sporting events, and other ceremonial occasions. But the most sacred occasion for any honor guard is when they are called upon to lead the procession of a fallen first responder and provide compassionate support to families.
The week-long, 45-hour training equips these men and women with ceremonial knowledge and skills to perform the duties of an honor guard with precision and a respect for tradition.
“It is an honor to be the host city for the academy and welcome our fellow first responders,” said Walter Ball, assistant fire chief with the Boerne Fire Department. “We are grateful to Boerne ISD, Nineteen:Ten Church, Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home, Holt and Holt Funeral Home, Porter Loring Mortuary, and local businesses and vendors for providing training venues and resources.”
The National Honor Guard Academy, based in Florida, provides this specialized training for honor guard units across the country. More than 100 first responders will be in Boerne for the week to attend the academy, including 24 from Kendall County.
“Serving on the honor guard is one of the most rewarding experiences for a law enforcement officer,” Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez said. “To have this specialized training come to Boerne is a valuable opportunity for our officers and partners at the Fire Department and neighboring agencies.”
The Joint Kendall County Honor Guard comprises members from the Boerne Police Department, Boerne Fire Department, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, and Kendall County Fire Marshal’s Office/Office of Emergency Management.
The Boerne Fire Department will be represented by three firefighters, and the Boerne Police Department will send four officers to the training.
What to Expect
The increased law enforcement and first responder presence might be most noticeable to Boerne residents on Wednesday and Thursday of next week, Nov. 5 and 6.
On Wednesday, the academy will be training on casket movements with the help of three hearses in the Visitors Center parking lot, 282 N. Main St.
On Thursday, the academy will conduct mock viewing services at the Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home, mock memorial services at Nineteen:Ten Church, and mock funeral processions ending at Boerne Cemetery.
Media Inquiries
Members of the media are invited to the training and to report on the learning experience.
National Honor Guard Academy Contact
For questions about the National Honor Guard Academy and to schedule media visits, please email Doug Swartz or call (727) 487-3973.
City of Boerne Contact
Media interested in speaking with a member of the Boerne Police Department or Boerne Fire Department can email the Communications Department.
