I am looking how other Local s fund their Honor Guard Units and if they are also funded by their Department too. Just trying to gather info for the next contract and to help our Local understand what their part should be.
Thanks, John Adair, Local 4302, Naperville

We get nothing from the Dept. and we want it that way. If they give us anything then we are at their mercy to do what they want us to (ei. stand casket duty at the dog catchers funeral or some other garbage). I would suggest that you stay strickly Union funded. That way the only ones that can dictate what you do is your Executive Board.

Lockport 1544's Honor Guard hosts a golf outing every year. We keep all proceeds from it for our needs.
I know Chicago Ridge's Guard has a bowling fundraiser annually and Matteson's Honor Guard is hosting a Halloween Dance this Saturday.

Our Department has paid for uniform items, and in some cases has covered our time with OT if we are going to an activation or Memorial. We host a fundraiser to help offset costs for our Local because like most Locals, money is tight.

I understand the thought from Brother Newton about remaining independant. Our thought has always been to take what the Dept. is willing to give while relations are good. If the Village ever starts trying to dictate what we do, we would have to look at funding ourselves completely, but since our first member was inducted we have had a good relationship with the Village where the Honor Guard is concerned. That relationship has even led to OT for our members in some cases, and some good PR for our Local.