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_____________________________________________________________________________ General Order B -95 1 of 29 Funerals TEMPLE TERRACE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE 07/31/ 2008 FILE INDEX NO. B-95 SUBJECT: FUNERALS INDEX AS: SAME AS ABOVE RESCINDS: REVISES: DATE REVISED: 07/16/2024 DISTRIBUTION ALL MEMBERS I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines and procedures relating to various funerals with which the department will be involved. II. SCOPE: All members III. DISCUSSION: This order provides guidance for department uniformity in the conduct of funeral procedures. Exact procedures covering all situations pertaining to funerals cannot be foreseen . The funeral commander may find it necessary to amend the guidelines contained herein to meet the needs of specific conditions and/or circumstances. It is of foremost importance that the needs and wishes of the decedent’s primary next of kin are honored when planning fin al arrangements. IV. DEFINITIONS: A. Aviation Flyover : When available and applicable, an aviation flyover is conducted by aviation units from neighboring agencies , normally helicopters flying in the “missing man formation.” The flyover is c oordinated by the funeral commander during funerals for officers killed in the line of duty. The flyover normally occurs at the conclusion of the graveside service. B. Chapel : Term used for any location where religious services are given; can include church, chapel, synagogue, mos que, or non -religious building regardless of religious service type. C. Escort : A compliment of sworn law enforcement officers assigned to provide safe and secure escort of the decedent, and when applicable , his or her immediate family, to and from locations pertinent to the funeral and interment services. _____________________________________________________________________________ General Order B -95 2 of 29 Funerals D. Escort Coordinator : A sworn member of the department responsible for requesting escort assistance from the most appropriate law enforcement agency . The escort coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all members of the escort detail receive both a proper greeting and briefing. The escort coordinator is assigned by the funeral commander. E. Flag: All references found herein to the “flag” shall in fact refer to t he national flag of the United States of America. This flag shall measure 60 inches in width and 114 inches in length. This flag is also commonly known as a burial flag or casket flag. All references to “folding the flag” or the “folded flag” shall in fact refer to the burial flag folded into the traditional triangle shape. F. Funeral : A formal memorial service, often followed by a burial, honoring the life of a deceased member or other duly recognized city official or dignitary. Funeral services may include c eremonies conducted by the honor guard and attended by department members. G. Funeral Commander : A sworn officer who is responsible for the planning and coordination of the funeral. This officer will be working closely with the family, funeral home director, honor guard, and the escort coordinator from the designated law enforcement agency assisting with this assignment. The funeral commander will be assigned by the chief of police. H. Honor Guard : The honor guard consist s of sworn members of the department who h ave been trained in close order drill and ceremonial procedures. The honor guard operates under the control of the funeral commander. I. Lie in Repose : The tradition in which the decedent’s casket is placed on view in a location that is not a principal govern ment building, such as a funeral home. J. Firing Party : The firing party consists of sworn members assigned by the funeral commander to conduct the twenty -one gun salute. The team leader is designated as the officer -in-charge. K. Survivor Assistant : A member of the department who shall work closely with the family, funeral home director, human resources department, and the pension board. The survivor assistant shall be available to assist the family with making the final arrangements, ensure that all family wishes are relayed to the appropriate department personnel, and assist the family to determine subsequent benefits realized as a result of the member’s service wit h the department. The survivor assistant will be assigned by the chief of police. L. Twenty -One-Gun Salute : The twenty -one-gun salute, conducted by the firing party, is th e highest honor paid to an officer killed in the line of duty. V. PROCEDURE: A. Department Recognized Funeral Types and Associated Services 1. Active Sworn Personnel a) Police f uneral conducted by the honor guard b) Wake honors while member lies in repose c) Chapel service d) Motorcade to i nterment site e) Graveside service conducted by the honor guard f) Twenty -one-gun s alute _____________________________________________________________________________ General Order B -95 3 of 29 Funerals g) Taps h) Flag folding and presentation of flag and badge to the family i) Aviation flyover; “Missing Man Formation ,” when applicable j) Final radio call k) Announcement s and dismissal 2. Retired Sworn Personnel a) Police funeral conducted by the honor guard b) Wake h onors while member lies in repose c) Chapel service d) Graveside service conducted by the honor guard e) Twenty -one-gun salute f) Taps g) Flag folding and presentation to the family h) Announcement s and dismissal