The Color Guard, especially in Law Enforcement, carries on a long tradition of handling the ultimate signal of patriotism, the flag. Color Guard presents the colors at special events such as, Fourth of July Parade, Swearing-In Ceremonies, and Funerals There are many traditions and rules of procedure to adhere to when “Posting the Colors,” or presenting the flag(s). The presentation demands respect at such formal events. The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. The Color Guard observes all of the formal traditions around handling ‘the Colors’ especially handling the American Flag: Continue reading The “Colors” of Honor – Part II: The Time Honored Legacy
Author: Matt Presley
511 Shirts: A Surprising trend in Cross-Over Appeal
5.11 Tactical Company makes apparel and accessories to suit Law Enforcement, Military, Firefighters, EMT’s and more. The different lines of 5.11 shirts have so many amenities; they win hands down in style, comfort, durability, and color-fastness. Additionally, they are just plain practical for an officer or uniformed shirt occupation with so many pockets, especially the front document pockets that allow you to store paperwork or money where it will absolutely not be lost and the vents keep customers cool, even in the warmest and most challenging of environments. Finally, they look just as good whether you choose to throw them in the washer or send them to the dry cleaners. Continue reading 511 Shirts: A Surprising trend in Cross-Over Appeal
5.11 Accessories: Specialized Equipment for Everyman
The cross over appeal of the 5.11 Tactical Company stems, in part, to the innovative accessories they’ve produced to assist Law Enforcement and others in the line of duty. Fortunately for the company, as well as consumers, the quality standards and innovative products available through 5.11 Tactical have created lines of accessories that appeal to many people in diverse settings. The products receiving much acclaim include their lines of bags/backpacks, gloves, and flashlights. Continue reading 5.11 Accessories: Specialized Equipment for Everyman
The ‘Colors’ of Honor
Honor Guard
Police and Law Enforcement Honor Guards perform many duties and perform specific functions. The Honor Guard of any branch, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Military, or EMT’s etc, are carefully selected and considered some of the best achievers in their field. Trained police and firefighters perform in military-style honors for those slain in the line of duty and those who have retired, as well as other ceremonial functions. The rules of the National Fraternal Order of Police, in their manual outlining the guidelines addressing the National Honor Guard Demonstration in Washington, D. C., notes that the Color Guard is a member of the Honor Guard, but they perform a specific duty. Continue reading The ‘Colors’ of Honor
How to Properly Wear a Police Dress Uniform
Members of an Honor Guard take pride in their personal appearance and maintain attention to detail with their uniforms. The importance and reverence demanded in these circumstances requires that ones appearance and uniform be clean, professional, well-designed-from hat to shoes. A professional image begins with uniforms that are clean, crisp, consistent reflecting the respect felt for fallen serviceman.
In any circumstance, Law Enforcement and Uniformed Officers are required to look their best. It stands to reason then that the requirements for the Dress Uniform, including that of the honor guard, is held to an extraordinarily high standard. The Class A uniform is often comprised of many accessories, depending on the particular Honor Guard and must be meticulously cared for. Continue reading How to Properly Wear a Police Dress Uniform
Properly Measuring for a Dress Uniform
The key to looking polished and professional, especially in the Class A and Dress Uniforms, lies in two important factors: cleanliness and fit. The importance of a clean uniform speaks for itself, but proper fit is sometimes underrated and overlooked. A properly fitted Class A or dress uniform is crucial while performing tasks that require plasticity and functionality. It is always a good idea to be re-measured to ensure a proper fit. Some people forget to consider function with fit. However, in order to get a proper fit to your uniform, you must often take new measurements and will sometimes need to increase your “normal” size to accommodate personal activity levels. For example, one should purchase a coat that is two sizes larger when planning to perform active physical training regiments that require the wearer to broaden their shoulders, chest and/or back. For uniforms that will be used in marching, it is suggested by fitting experts to increase your measured size by one full size. Continue reading Properly Measuring for a Dress Uniform
