By Captain Bobby Valles
The mission of the Odessa
Fire Department Honor Guard is to serve as
representatives of the Fire Department at
formal occasions as directed by the Fire
Chief. The Honor Guard projects a positive
image of the Department and its members by
performing as a well trained professional
team at local events. The Honor Guard is
dedicated to honoring fallen firefighters,
their families, and Department members, past
and present.
The Honor Guard was formed
in 2001 by the recommendation of several
members of our department and was approved
by our Fire Chief. In 2002 we participated
in our first event, the 9-11 Tribute at
Memorial Gardens. Since its inception,
several OFD members have served on the Honor
Guard and we have participated in various
events throughout our community. The team
has expanded to a 13-member roster,
including members from each rank and each
division in the Fire Department.
The Honor Guard will
represent the Odessa Fire Department at
funerals, memorial services and any other
function authorized/requested by the Fire
Chief or his designee. Requests should be
made through Fire Administration or Honor
Guard designee.
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Funeral
Service for Retired Battalion Chief
Norman Price |
The Honor Guard will
respond to request from both current and
retired Fire Department members in any way
possible. Our goal is to represent all
members of the Fire Department in the
highest degree of professionalism,
dedication, loyalty, honor and dignity. We
strive to honor firefighters in life, as
well as death, and to exhibit the best
possible image to the entire community. In
addition to funerals and memorial services,
the honor guard may be called upon to post
colors for various civic events, march in
parades, assist families during a time of
need, and stand guard at funeral homes.
Our team has had the honor
of participating in such events as;
Retiree's funerals, 9-11 Tribute at Memorial
Gardens, First Baptist Church, City of
Odessa Annual Awards Banquet, and Wal-Mart
East grand opening.
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2004 9-11 Tribute at Memorial
Gardens |
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The Odessa Fire Department
Honor Guard is funded primarily through the
City of Odessa. Private donations have also
contributed greatly and have been used to
purchase equipment such as our bell, Texas
flag, flag harness's and etc. All honor
guard members volunteer their time to attend
all functions and meetings and receive no
monetary compensation.
Current Members
