For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Randolph Police Officers and Firefighters Become First Certified Ceremonial Guardsmen in the U.S.
RANDOLPH — Police Chief William Pace and Fire Chief Richard Donovan are pleased to announce that members of the police and fire honor guards completed training to become the first certified ceremonial guardsmen in the U.S.
From Sept. 25-29, Randolph police officers and firefighters attended a course with John Marshall, known as the “DrillMaster,” to learn the proper techniques of ceremonial drill. The training took place at the Municipal Police Training Committee’s headquarters in Randolph.
“The Randolph Police Department’s Honor Guard has been a key component of this department since its creation in 1984,” Chief Pace said. “Working with John Marshall gave us the opportunity to learn new skills and refine our practice to operate at the ceremonial level. I’m extremely pleased we’re now the first certified ceremonial guardsmen in the U.S.”
Following the course, police officers and firefighters were presented with a ceremonial guardsmen shoulder tab patch during a graduation on Sept. 29. Graduates include:
Randolph Police: Commander John Hamelburg, Commander David Avery, Lt. Anthony Marag, Detective Sgt. Christine Morse, Detective Sgt. Jason Fisher, Detective Christopher Jones, Detective Richard Brewer, Officer Billy Lok, Officer Steven Rosa, Officer Kevin Gilbert, Officer Matthew Rodman and Officer Craig Staffier.
Randolph Fire: Capt. Paul Frew, Lt.Timothy Sproules, Firefighter Patrick Sullivan, Firefighter Anthony Phinney, Firefighter Peter Kourafas, Firefighter Kristopher Kronillis, Firefighter Joseph Gordon, Firefighter Robert Shiavone Jr. and Firefighter Stephen Connors Jr.
Marshall is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who spent 14 years with several honor guard units at bases around the world. He created the first responder ceremonial guardsman training and certification program this year in an effort to establish standards for the first responder honor guard units around the country.
During the course, the trainees learned firing party procedures for firing the Three Volley Salute, how to carry a casket and how to properly move the casket in and out of a vehicle. They also learned proper techniques for folding the American flag that is placed on the casket, the proper methods for presenting and posting the colors, and the ways to use rifles, shotguns, handguns, (police) and axes (fire) for the different ceremonial elements.
“We want to thank John for giving us the needed skills to perform as ceremonial guardsmen,” Chief Donovan said. “We look forward to being able to represent Randolph and any other communities in need of honor guard services.”
The Randolph honor guard members will serve during funerals, memorial services and events like the Fourth of July parade.
“Randolph police and fire officials are fully trained and ready to handle any kind of situation,” Marshall said. “They did a fantastic job during the course and were an outstanding group of people with which to work.”
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