The Honor Guard, a part-time specialty unit of the Prince William County Police Department’s Special Operations Division, comprises 25 sworn officers of varying ranks from First Sergeant and below. The team is led by a Lieutenant and a Captain.
Officers join the Honor Guard voluntarily after a thorough selection process. Once selected, they are fitted with ceremonial uniforms and provided new equipment for formal ceremonies. Recently, two members were trained to play the bagpipes and have started attending ceremonies. Additionally, three department members have joined as vocalists to sing the National Anthem upon request.
Monthly training sessions focus on military-style drill and ceremony, including marching, rifle drills, color guard maneuvers, casket carrying, and flag folding. Some members have attended external Honor Guard training courses. The team also trains regularly with the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department Honor Guards. Occasionally, military representatives provide additional training.
The Honor Guard represents the police department at community events, parades, and law enforcement funerals. They present colors at local ceremonies and significant events such as Washington Nationals games and Dulles International Airport’s Honor Flights for veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Select members have participated in international events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run conference.
Funeral services for department members who died in the line of duty or after retiring are conducted by the team. They also represent the department at funerals for fallen officers from other agencies across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., traveling nationwide when necessary.
During National Police Week on May 15—National Peace Officers Memorial Day—the team provides a cordon for the President at the Capitol as he addresses families of fallen officers. Following this event, they serve as ceremonial guards at the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
The Honor Guard’s service exemplifies how this unit serves both Prince William County government and its residents.
