Honor Guard

The Brockton Police Honor Guard was formed in 1960 by eleven (11) unselfish men.  They gave their time to show their respect and march for fallen brother officers.  They give every deceased fellow officer the rightful honor they deserve at the time of their death.  The ceremonial service may vary with the circumstances, but the respect never waivers.

Since that time, the Honor Guard has evolved into a thirty officer unit, which has a five officer color guard, a firing squad, and a marching unit.  The honor guard, presently under the command of Lieutenant Arthur Sullivan, has designed its own honor guard patch, erected a memorial stone in front of the Brockton Police Department in memory of fallen Officers, has its own bus for transportation, and maintains a support unit of motorcycle officers for various functions and ceremonies.

The award winning Honor Guard’s showing over the years for fallen officers local and throughout the state and New England, has generated requests to participate in parades and other civic ceremonies within and out of the city, as well as for funerals of local, state and federal dignitaries.

  2004 Police Memorial Day Ceremonies

   The Honor Guard Patch was designed by Captain David Dennehy and a civilian, Kathleen Malley.  Every item on the patch has significance:

1. the two gold stars represent the officers who fallen in the line of duty, which now is presently four officers,
2. the olive branch represent we always march in peace,
3. the two flags, American and Brockton Police represent what all members hold dear to them,
4. The thirty olive leaves at the top signify each member of the squad,
5. the eagle represent the oath all members all members of the unit took to the U.S. Constitution,
6. The shield at the heart of the eagle represent the Brockton Police Badge worn by all members of the department,
7. the crossed rifles signify that although we march in peace, we are always under arms,
8. the eleven olive leaves at the bottom of the patch indicate the original members of the unit,
9. the year 1960 represents the first time the Brockton Honor Guard fell out,
10. the blue background of the patch represents how precious the Honor Guard regards the men and women it represents.

The memorial stone in front of the Brockton Police Department was designed by Sergeant Mario Diliddo and Officer James Callahan, and erected by members of the honor guard, under the direction of Officer John “Bussy” Spaulding. The stone was purchased and is maintained by the Honor Guard. The memorial was dedicated on May 15^th, 1989.  An annual memorial service is conducted each year on or about May 15^th.  The Service is conducted under the direction of the Chief of Police. Paul F. Studenski, a strong supporter and former member of the honor guard.

The Honor Guard receives no funds from the Department or the City, and is self reliant to maintain uniforms, travel expenses and any other costs that may arise in the course of conducting their operations.  Most of the money is raised through the conducting of a golf tournament each year.  The tournament is well received, and is sponsored by many of the local businesses from the city of Brockton and the surrounding towns, with many valuable prizes given to the golfers. A sumptuous meal follows the tournament, at which the prizes and raffle is conducted. This tournament is generally held in early June of each year, and all are invited to participate.