Recognizing a need to promote fire and emergency medical service traditions, several members of Strathcona County Emergency Services [formerly the Strathcona County Fire Department] came together in 1991 to form the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard. For approximately 10 months, the ten members of the department practiced standard drill maneuvers and developed guidelines for establishment of a Guard unit.

On Remembrance Day (November 11th, 1992), the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard made its first public appearance as a formal drill unit during the Annual Remembrance Day Ceremonies held in Strathcona County. This would represent the first opportunity for anyone outside of the Guard to view the uniform ensemble designed and worn by the Guard. Overwhelmed by the acknowledgement received from the general public, local political officials and members of their own department, the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard were reassured that their efforts did not go unnoticed.

Carrying on with their practice schedule, the Guardsmen continued to improve their drill techniques and develop protocols and procedures for the various types of ceremonies and functions they would be called upon to attend.

Since its inception 1991, the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard has provided services for several marriages within the department, provided formal escorts for political representatives, escorted at the Miss World Pageant 1994. Most importantly in the eyes of the Guard, they have been called upon several times to arrange and/or provide funeral services in honour of fire, emergency medical service personnel and police officers who have perished as a result of their response duties. Although we will never be able to find justification for the loss of these emergency response personnel, the Guard will continue to serve and honour their memories by offering the best in all that it does.

At present the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard consists of fourteen members. Although all Guardsmen are members of the Strathcona County Fire Fighters’ Union – I.A.F.F. Local 2461 and members of Strathcona County Emergency Services, the Guard functions as an autonomous unit. With this independence the Guard established its own protocols and procedures for representing the department and its members at ceremonies and functions across Strathcona County and throughout Alberta.