In Brownstown Township, the Police and Fire Honor Guard stands as a powerful symbol of dignity, discipline and community respect. Since its founding, this dedicated unit has served with ceremonial excellence – from honoring fallen officers and firefighters to representing the township at public events – anchored in the enduring values of integrity, service and civic pride.


Humble Beginnings

Established in 2011 by the Brownstown Township Police and Fire departments, the Honor Guard was initially created to provide a formal and respectful presence at funerals for active and retired officers. As the township grew, so did the scope and visibility of the unit. Today, the Brownstown Honor Guard proudly appears at parades, Veterans Day observances, award ceremonies, and community gatherings across Brownstown and the broader Downriver area.


Ceremonial Duties

Among the Honor Guard’s most solemn duties is participation in law enforcement, fire service and dignitary funeral services. With disciplined precision – through flag folding, rifle salutes and color guard presentation, the unit honors the memory and sacrifice of fallen heroes. Beyond funerals, they are a staple at civic events such as Memorial Day, Police Week and local parades and award ceremonies, carrying the Stars and Stripes with reverence and pride.


Rigorous Training in Alpena

Honor Guard members are held to the highest ceremonial standards. New members travel to Alpena, Michigan, where they undergo an intensive, weeklong training led by retired Wyandotte Police Officer Dan Foley, head instructor for DFL Honor Guard Training and the Sheriff's and Municipal Memorial Assistance Response Team (S.M.M.A.R.T.).

Training includes:
Precision flag folding and ceremonial drill
Line-of-duty death protocols and emotional preparedness
Best practices modeled after Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Army Old Guard, with whom Foley has trained

Recruits practice hours of standing post, synchronized marching and timing drills to ensure their performance is executed with flawless respect. The training culminates in a full honors funeral service for an actual fallen officer – an emotional and unforgettable reminder of the gravity of their duty.


Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Honor Guard also invests in the future through an annual $500 scholarship, awarded to one graduating senior at both Woodhaven High School and Carlson High School. Sponsored by the Brownstown Honor Guard, the scholarship encourages students to reflect on the values of public service by submitting an essay on the meaning of “honor.” Applicants are asked to connect their understanding to the core values of the Brownstown Police Department: Integrity, Dedication, Discipline, Trust, and Accountability.

To stand in formation is to stand for something greater than oneself. For the members of the Brownstown Township Honor Guard, it is the highest privilege to honor those who dedicate their lives to protecting others – with every step, salute and folded flag, they serve as living testaments to the true meaning of service and sacrifice