History and Mandate:
The Halton Regional Police Service Honour Guard Unit was formed in October 1996. It is comprised of 30 police officers, special constables and auxiliary constables who wear the issued number one dress uniform of the HRPS and represent the Service at ceremonial events such as Remembrance Day, recruit graduations, police funerals and Police Memorials.
With an initial 'order of dress' modeled on the Peel Regional Police Service Honour Guard, the Halton Regional Police Service Honour Guard's first events included a police funeral and Remembrance Day parade.
The Honour Guard quickly attracted 30 volunteer members and gradually became more involved in protocol and additional ceremonial events the HRPS has been asked to attend.
The Honour Guard Today:
The Halton Regional Police Service Honour Guard Unit averages 50-60 events per year with the busiest time being April to May. Numerous volunteer hours are donated by Service members year-round for events and practices to keep the level of drill to the highest standard.
To maintain good standing within the Unit, members are expected to attend a minimum of three practices and three events per year.
Foot drill training, based on the Canadian Armed Forces drill and protocol, is provided by a Unit drill commander. Organization of events is managed by a Unit member, while equipment issues and general administrative functions are handled by a third Service volunteer.
The Halton Regional Police Service Honour Guard Unit was recently issued new ceremonial uniforms featuring the 'retro' look on a high collar tunic which brings the Service into line with best practices of other police ceremonial units in Ontario.
The Queen's Colours:
In 2005, the Halton Regional Police Service was granted the privilege and honour of being presented “Colours” by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Only eight police services in the province have this distinction.
The Service Colour is similar to the HRPS flag in appearance: It is silk with the Service Crest mounted on a blue background denoting that the Colour is that of a police service. The Queen’s Colour is similar in appearance to the national flag of Canada but differs in that the Halton Regional Police Service name is embroidered within the maple leaf on the centre portion of the Colour, which is again silk.
Both Colours were consecrated and, as such, are treated with honour at all times. They should be saluted and given appropriate ‘compliments’ by uniform members of the police and military.
The Colours are symbolically protected by the 'Colour Party' or 'Escort to the Colours' who are armed with C7 rifles and fixed bayonets.
For more information about the Halton Regional Police Service Honour Guard Unit, contact:
Staff Sergeant Chris Clarke
905-825-4747 ext. 4810
