Serving Missouri’s Fallen EMS Heroes With Dignified Honor Guard Funerals
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The Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team, upon request, will provide dignified visitation and funeral support and services for all fallen EMS personnel across the State of Missouri. The team will also respond, upon request, to our neighboring states if time will allow and a team can be formed. Other states, by request, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Our mission is to ensure that every EMS hero receives a dignified visitation and funeral with the honors and respect that they deserve for their service, dedication, bravery, and commitment to the community.
Our team operates as a volunteer-only organization. When an ambulance district or family needs our assistance, we manage, upon request, all aspects of the visitation and funeral response. Procedures for honors and processions differ slightly for line-of-duty deaths, off-duty and retiree deaths. We will help walk organizations and family members through these procedures, ensuring they know what to expect at the memorial service and/or the visitation and funeral processions.
About The Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team
The Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team was founded in late 2009 by a paramedic/retired Marine who understood the crucial need for a statewide EMS team to honor those who served in this public safety sector. Our team now includes over 70 members statewide. As of May 1, 2024, the team has responded to more than 200 requests in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, and Arkansas.
National EMS Weekend of Honor
Since 2014, the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team has participated each year in the National EMS Memorial Weekend of Honor. This event honors fallen EMS professionals across the country and includes a memorial bike ride event, conferences for EMS crews and districts, and other events.
Procedures and Protocols to Honor EMS Heroes
Our team, upon request, arranges visitation and funeral services and support to respectfully honor fallen EMS professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty, off duty, or retirees. Those who serve as paramedics or EMTs, flight crews, or who hold EMS leadership positions are entitled to a visitation and funeral that integrates ceremonial customs and procedures that respectfully honor the individual’s commitment to public service, safety, and compassion. Customs for visitation and ceremonial funeral services differ for those who die in the line of duty, off duty, or have retired.
Honor Guard Funeral Procedures
Honor Guards are a distinguished and ceremonial group that serves at visitation and funeral services of fallen EMS professionals. Guards wear dress uniforms that distinguish them from other EMS personnel. The guards will lead upon request the ceremonial procedures and processions at the visitation and/or funeral.
Casket Flag Placement
Families may choose which flag to drape over their loved one’s casket. Flag placement may include the American flag (Line Of Duty) or the EMS flag (Type 2 or type 3). Flag respect and etiquette dictate that nothing may be placed on top of the American flag, and flowers may not be arranged over the EMS flag.
Ambulance as a Hearse
In lieu of a traditional hearse, EMS funerals may use a ceremonial ambulance to carry the casket from the funeral to the place of burial for line of duty only.
Placement of Badge Shrouds
As a sign of mourning, a shroud covers all professional EMS badges. Shrouds also cover the signage at the District while the crew mourns.
Casket Vigils
Casket vigils are designated only for EMS personnel who die in line of duty. Vigils ensure that a fallen active-duty EMS crew member is never alone.
Organizational Walk-Through
For those who die in the line of duty or off duty, a department visitation walk-through can be integrated into processions. Other public safety individuals may also participate to honor the hero.
What Is Honoring Up?
Losing a loved one leads to a flood of emotions. Sometimes these emotions influence families to request specific honors or services at a funeral that defy the policies and procedures guiding these honors. “Honoring up” is a term that refers to an individual who receives honors that do not align with the ceremonial protocol. For example, only EMS professionals who lose their lives in the line of duty may be honored with color guard service or by using an ambulance in lieu of a hearse.
We understand that emotions run high and that grief can be extraordinary. However, our team is committed to ensuring that all ceremonial protocols are followed without exception. To help EMS Districts and families understand the protocols we follow, the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team developed an official Funeral Team Guideline handbook. This book is free to download.
Last Call Online Memorials
The Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team was founded in late 2009 by a paramedic/retired Marine who understood the crucial need for a statewide EMS team to honor those who served in this public safety sector. Our team now includes over 70 members statewide. As of May 1, 2024, the team has responded to more than 200 requests in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, and Arkansas.
Events That Support Our Mission
Throughout the year, the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team hosts many fundraisers to help fund our important mission.
Sat, Sep 20La Plata Golf Course
Fri, Oct 17Lake Ozark
Additional Resources for Families and Districts
The Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team also works in partnership with other organizations. When EMS Districts and families need additional support, these organizations also are available to help:
Donate Today to Help Us Continue Our Mission
Help us honor fallen EMS heroes with dignity and provide support to their families during times of loss. Your donation funds memorial services, transportation, and essential assistance, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. We are a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community through charitable initiatives and events.
