Toledo Police Department Honor Guard

Toledo Police Department Honor Guard
Prior to 1985, there was no formally recognized Honor Guard/Color Guard unit to represent the Toledo Police Department at funerals, parades, civic events and the National Police Memorial Service held in Washington D.C. each year. Early records show that the fraternal organizations and Police Post 512 of the American Legion had color guards that were called to service. Occasionally four or six officers were taken from their street duties and pressed into service as an Honor Guard as the need arose. However, in 1985, Deputy Chief John H. Bryan recognized the need for a formally organized unit whose duties would include being the officially designated representative of the Department at selected events. Those selected as members of the unit would receive special training in drill and ceremonies and be themselves, the "best of the best." Under the guidance of Deputy Chief John Bryan, the unit was formally established in 1985. Since that time, the unit has represented the department at out-of-town funerals for fallen officers around the Ohio area, the National Police Memorial Service held every May 15^th in Washington D.C., civic events, parades, ceremonies, flag raisings and at the funerals of retired Toledo Police Department officers.
	The unit is currently commanded by Sgt. Karen Sue Martensen. For further information, contact Sgt. Martensen at (419) 245-3246, or Off. Keith W. Carr Email: Keith.Carr@ci.toledo.oh.us.
Current members include: (Pictured left to right) Deputy Chief Derrick Diggs, Sgt. Karen-Sue Martensen, Off. Burna Guy, Off. Tanja Farrell, Off. Cherie Cousino, Off. Jamie Cornell, Off. Katrina Welch, Off. Al Cavanaugh, Off. Amy Herrick, Off. Otto Rectenwald, Off. Keith Carr