Franklin Police Return From Washington D.C.

 The Franklin Police Honor Guard recently returned from Washington D.C. having completed an intense week of training with the 3^rd United States Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard.”  An eleven-member team under the direction of Deputy Chief Stephen T. Williams spent the week of October 21^st through the 27^th at Fort Myers in Arlington Virginia receiving instruction in several ceremonial disciplines.  This advanced training included colors movement, ceremonial rifle detail, flag folding, casket movement, and funeral etiquette.  

 The “Old Guard” is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the President.  It is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving since 1784.  Since World War II the Old Guard has served as the Armies official Honor Guard.  In that capacity, the 3^rd infantry soldiers are responsible for military ceremonies at the White House, the Pentagon, and national memorials.  In addition, the Old Guard maintains a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and provides funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery, participating in more than 6,000 ceremonies, an average of 16 per day.

 Honor Guard members, Lt. “TJ” Lynch, Sgts. Jim Mill, Koren Kanadanian, and Officers Paul Fiorio, Mike Kenney, Rick Grover, James Mucciarone, Dan MacLean, Dan Smith, Jim West, and Deputy Chief Williams had not only the opportunity to train with the “best of the best”, but to see many of the nations memorials located in Washington D.C.’s National Mall area, including the damage caused to the Pentagon by the attack on September 11^th.  

 “The trip was the opportunity of a life-time, especially in light of what has happened to our Country recently”, Williams stated.  “Our team, has come home with an even better understanding of who they are, their responsibilities, and justifiably proud of what they represent.”  

 Franklin’s Honor Guard did not take long to be called on for their services.  Their casket and flag team and ceremonial firing party was utilized in the recent funeral of Plainville’s Officer Mike Maher on November 7, 2001.