Honor Guard
The Portsmouth Police Department is one of the largest police departments in the State of New Hampshire.It consists of 69 sworn officers.These officers are loyal, dedicated, professional men and women filled with a sense of pride in their organization and the heritage of their department.
One common bond shared by all law enforcement officers throughout the country, whether they are a member of a local, county, state, or federal agency, is that of a “family”. There is no other family in the world like that shared among law enforcement officers. Only they truly know the dangers that encompass their occupation, only they truly know the threat to their lives each time they put on their uniform, and only they truly know the reasons why they fight what others fear.
Our increasingly violent society brings with it increasing possibilities of an officer being injured or killed in the line of duty. Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions are taken by police officers, no matter how much protective equipment they carry, no matter how much training they undergo, injury and even death are inevitable.
Each year, the death toll among law enforcement officers climbs. With every death of an officer, each and every member of the law enforcement family feels the pain and grief. However, no matter how violent the society may become or how difficult the job may get, law enforcement officers throughout the nation know that they may count on each other in their time of need.
We, the members of the Portsmouth Police Department, take the passing of an officer very seriously and feel it very deeply, whether the officer was killed in the line of duty or dies after serving a community for years with pride, integrity, and loyalty.
The goal of an Honor Guard is to demonstrate to the community, state, and the nation that the men and women of their department are proud, loyal, dedicated officers of integrity who care for and respect those who have served before them.
The Portsmouth Police Department established an Honor Guard to pay tribute to those officers who have come before them. Comprised of full-time officers, the Honor Guard was established in the early 1980's. Unfortunately, it was disbanded in the late 1980's, by a previous administration, largely due to financial problems.
A survey, conducted in 1999, among the sworn officers of the Portsmouth Police Department, met with an overwhelming response to re-establish the Honor Guard. Therefore, with the support of the Portsmouth Police Commission, Chief Bradley J. Russ, and the department administration, the Honor Guard was re-established by the end of 1999.
Unfortunately, the department lacked the funds necessary to achieve the goals of the Honor Guard. Therefore, Chief Russ authorized the unit to solicit the community for donations in order to fund the Honor Guard.
The Honor Guard has been able to attain funding to purchase dress uniforms for each of the members. They have also participated in many hours of training consisting of drill and ceremony, funeral protocol, rifle drills, 21-gun salutes, flag bearing, and flag folding and presentation. In all, the Honor Guard has logged more than 500 hours of training in a year and a half.
Ironically, the first funeral in which the Honor Guard performed full services was that of a member of our own department. Lieutenant Steven P. Demo died on July 9, 2000 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
The Portsmouth Police Department Honor Guard has represented the department and the City at the funerals of fallen officers throughout the New England area. In the year 2000, the Honor Guard attended the funerals of seven (7) police officers, four (4) of which were killed in the line-of-duty.
The Honor Guard has also participated in memorial ceremonies held in the City of Portsmouth, in Concord, New Hampshire, and in Washington DC. They have participated in parades and other functions as well.
This elite unit consists of hard-working, dedicated officers that have given, and will continue to give, their greatest effort to ensure that their department and their city is represented with pride, dignity, and professionalism.
Sincerely,
(Ret.) Capt. Darrin Sargent
Portsmouth Police Honor Guard
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The Honor Guard has been able to accomplish their goals with the help and generosity of citizens like you. We have achieved a lot since the formation of the unit but there is still much that needs to be done. As we are not funded by the City of Portsmouth, we rely on the community to help us in achieving our goals.
The Honor Guard is currently seeking donations to cover the cost of equipment, training, and travel. Travel expenses to attend officers’ funerals, training, and other ceremonies are very high. ANY assistance from the public is GREATLY appreciated.
If you would like to donate to the Portsmouth Police Department Honor Guard, please send your donations to:
Portsmouth Police Department Honor Guard
3 Junkins Avenue
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
ATTN: Office of the Chief
If you have any questions regarding the Honor Guard, please contact Lt. Seth Tondreault at (603) 610-7613.
Thank you.