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WHO WE ARE
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2005 by a group of passionate and dedicated members from the City of Milwaukee Fire Department and North Shore Fire/Rescue, who held a deep and abiding respect for the honor guard, its long-standing traditions, and rich history. Our mission began with a shared commitment to provide critical training in uniform wear and appearance, basic drill and ceremony (including marching, saluting, and positions of attention and parade rest), proper casket carrying, flag draping, folding, and presentation, as well as the posting, changing, and recovery of the colors and casket watch duties to our brothers and sisters in uniform.
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At the core of our organization are the values of family, honor, respect, and compassion. These principles continue to guide everything we do, whether we are teaching time-honored rituals or evolving our curriculum. As the needs of public safety honor guards have grown, so too have we. Over time, we’ve expanded our training to reflect the real-world honor guard experiences of our instructors, ensuring that we provide the most relevant and up-to-date training available.
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As of January 1, 2025, our instructors collectively bring over 520 years of operational honor guard experience and more than 750 years of combined public safety service to their communities. We invite you to explore our organization and learn more about our offerings by navigating our website. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to connect with us via our Contact Us page. You can also keep up with our latest news and updates by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
THE EVOLUTION OF HONOR GUARD CLINCS AND SCHOOLS
2005
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Honor Guard Clinics and Schools was founded as the Milwaukee Honor Guard Clinic in Milwaukee, WI.
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Our first class was held at the City of Milwaukee Safety Academy with 20 students.
2011 - 2017
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Selected and appointed additional instructors to support the growing number of students attending our clinic.
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Celebrated our first class of 50+ students
2018
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Introduced and launched our Funeral Operations School
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Celebrated our first class of 90+ students
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Transitioned from Milwaukee Honor Guard Clinic to Honor Guard Clinics and Schools.
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Our HGCS family lost our first student in an L.O.D.D. event. Captain Cory Barr.
2020
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Relocated our headquarters and training venue to our new home at the City of St. Francis Fire Department.
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Selected and appointed additional instructors to support the growing number of students attending Honor Guard Clinic and Funeral Operations School.
2021
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First time a waiting list had ever been established for our courses as we had over 100 registrations.
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Officially added a peer support training block to our events.
2023
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Selected and appointed additional instructors to support the growing number of students attended our courses.
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Introduced and launched our Unit Commander School.
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Second time a waiting list had ever been established for our courses as we again had over 100 registrations.
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Our HGCS family lost our first instructor to a long hard fought battle with cancer. Instructor Robert “Bob” Zahnter.
2024
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Selected and appointed additional instructors to support the growing number of students attending our courses.
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Third time a waiting list had ever been established for our courses as we again had over 100 registrations with substantial interest continuing after registration was formally closed.
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Established regional training commands in Miami, Florida (Advanced Honor Guard Clinic - Starting 2026), Salt Lake City, Utah (Basic Honor Guard Clinic - Starting 2024) and Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) (Basic Honor Guard Clinic - Starting in 2026)
2025
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Celebrating our 20th year of providing critical training to our brothers and sisters in the emergency services. ​​
OUR COURSES
We currently provide three courses. Attend one, two, or all three.
HONOR GUARD CLINIC
Course length - Three (3) days
Classroom & Practical
This course is a comprehensive 3-day (24-hour) program which combines classroom instruction with practical hands-on training to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
This course covers:
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Proper wear and appearance of the uniform, including understanding regulations, grooming standards, and uniform accessories.
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Basic drill and ceremony, focusing on precision and synchronization of movements. This includes marching, facing, and saluting.
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Proper procedures for posting and retrieving the colors during ceremonial events, emphasizing respect and attention to detail.
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Techniques and protocols involved in body bearer operations, including the handling and movement of caskets or urns with utmost dignity and respect, as well as draping and folding of the flag.
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Loading and unloading procedures for caissons or hearses, ensuring safe and efficient transportation during funeral processions.
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Airport ramp operations, teaching participants the protocols and procedures for receiving dignified arrivals of aircraft carrying fallen service members.
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Knowledge and skills to perform uniform and ceremonial operations with precision, professionalism, and respect. This course is suitable for military personnel, law enforcement officers, honor guards, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of ceremonial procedures.
FUNERAL OPERATIONS SCHOOL
Course length - Two (2) days
Classroom & Practical
This course is a comprehensive 2-day (16-hour) program, which combines classroom instruction with practical hands-on training to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
Throughout the course, participants will receive detailed instruction of all types of funerals including Line of Duty Death (LODD), Active Duty, Retiree, and VIP, starting from the time of death and extending to the interment. This includes essential aspects, such as the role of family liaison; casket watch; posting, changing, and retrieving of casket guards; procession (route planning and clearance operations); staging; visitation; funeral ceremony; and graveside operations. Throughout the training, participants will learn how to effectively collaborate with local law enforcement, clergy, and funeral directors to ensure seamless coordination during funeral operations.
The course culminates with a hands-on experience, where participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios at a funeral home, church, and cemetery.
UNIT COMMANDER SCHOOL
Course length - Two (2) days
Classroom & Practical
This course is a comprehensive 2-day (16-hour) program which combines classroom instruction with practical hands-on training to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
This course covers:
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Establishing and/or maintaining an honor guard.
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Effectively working with agency administration to accomplish critical tasks and objectives.
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Recruitment and retention strategies.
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Planning and executing training sessions.
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Understanding the various funding options available.
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Developing proficiency in giving proper drill and ceremony commands.
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Techniques and principles behind command presence and use of a command voice.
INSTRUCTORS
Honoring the fallen . Preserving Tradition . Imparting Knowledge .
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Our instructors have extensive expertise, with over 375 years of operational honor guard experience. Additionally, they have collectively served their communities in emergency services for over 500 years. Their vast knowledge and practical experience enable them to provide valuable and specialized training to our students.”
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Our Operations Division is structured into four distinct regional areas to enhance the training experience for all our students:
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Midwest Region
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Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Headquarters)
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This region is home to our organizations headquarters. It also hosts our annual training (Honor Guard Clinic (including dignified arrivals training), Funeral Operations School and Unit Commander School) that is held each spring. This year we are excited to be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Turning 20 in 25.
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Eastern Region
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Location: Miami, Florida
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This region will host our Advanced Honor Guard Course starting in November 2026.
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Western Region
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Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
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This region hosts our fall west coast Honor Guard Clinic.
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Northern Region
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Location: Alberta, Canada
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This region hosts an annual Honor Guard Clinic that is custom tailored to provide best in class training to our Canadian brothers and sisters by instructors from Canada with support of instructors from the United States. Course development is currently underway. We do not have an expected date that this course will become active.
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We invite you to learn more about our dedicated instructors by clicking on the regional logos below.
MIDWEST
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
EASTERN
Miami, Florida
WESTERN
Salt Lake City, Utah
NORTHERN
Alberta, Canada