Superb JPSO Honor Guard Is a Source of Great Pride It takes a very special person to be part of an Honor Guard. Members of the Honor Guard are individuals who take great pride in their personal appearance, in their ability to perform military close-order drill and in the honor of carrying the flags of our nation, our state and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. In addition, all the members of the JPSO Honor Guard are volunteers who have full-time jobs and give up some of their free time to participate in the activities of the Honor Guard. When members of the Honor Guard team – 13 officers in all – talk about their presentations of the colors, you can feel the pride that fills them every time they are called upon to perform the unique service that they provide to more than 50 occasions each year. Very often, the appearance of the JPSO Honor Guard marks a very sad occasion. They often are asked to present the colors at the funerals of active or retired JPSO officers who have passed away. In much the same way, the recent Louisiana Law Enforcement Memorial marked the engraving of 10 names of Louisiana law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Not long ago, the JPSO marked the re-naming of our headquarters building in honor of the late Sheriff Harry Lee and the construction of a memorial wall on our lawn that bears the names of JPSO officers who have fallen in the line of duty. But, there are also festive occasions when the JPSO Honor Guard enjoys performing, such as a New Orleans Saints or a New Orleans Pelicans ball game. When the Honor Guard presents the colors prior to the singing or performing of the national anthem, the applause of the capacity crowds almost literally rocks the Louisiana Superdome. I would like to take this occasion to thank all of the officers who participate in the activities of the Honor Guard, which is a part of our Community Relations program. We are grateful for these volunteers and we believe that the JPSO has one of the best Honor Guards in the entire nation. Newell Normand, Sheriff
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 20:48:49 +0000