Planning Funerals

A recent survey conducted by David S. Becker as part of a research project in conjunction with the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, found that only 40 percent of U.S. fire departments have written policies and procedures that address line-of-duty deaths. Not having plans in place before a tragedy occurs could result in an incomplete, rushed effort to manage what is a critical time within a department, according to Becker.

Photo by Jeff Rudolph Hundreds of firefighters from Wisconsin and Illinois attended funeral services for Milwaukee Firefighter Lionel L. Hoffer, who was killed while battling a four-alarm blaze in December 1994. By making plans in advance, fire departments and EMS agencies can conduct dignified and meaningful memorial services.

Fire and EMS personnel see death and suffering on a regular basis. It is something that is never easy to face or comprehend. The trauma is always present, and is most severe when someone close to us or in the same occupation is injured or dies.

A comprehensive plan should be developed or adopted by each department in the event that a member dies in the performance of his or her duties. There are so many things to do in a short period of time that having a well-worked-out plan for this type of event is not only desirable but essential. It is difficult to conduct a dignified and meaningful memorial service if plans have not been made in advance.

A document should always be available to give guidance and aid in the preparation for the necessary services. The organization for conducting this type of event should be structured much like the fireground or tactical incident command system used for the control and command of emergency incidents.

Charts and diagrams should be ready in advance for all aspects of the event. Time-line charts can be used to indicate the desired order of events.

Death benefits documents should be immediately available for the survivors and critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) should be ready for any individuals involved.

Some people respond to funerals and memorial services out of respect for the person; others respond out of respect for the position, and still others out of a desire to associate with comrades or "brothers and sisters in the profession." Whatever the reasons for each person's attendance, the actions taken by those present should offer respect and reverence for the deceased. The event should have a defined order and should not cause those in attendance to wonder what they should do next or what is proper and within protocol.

Often, when a person dies, the immediate family and a few friends will respond by visiting the funeral home and attending the funeral services. If the person was well-known in the community, there will be even more people in attendance. But when a firefighter or EMS worker dies or is killed in the line of duty, hundreds or even thousands of people from across the country may attend the services. Such was the case in Orlando, FL in 1990, after two firefighters were killed in a building fire in 1990 more than 6,000 people showed up for the memorial services. Plans must be made to accommodate massive numbers of people. Keep in mind that few funeral homes are equipped to handle that many people; the average funeral chapel seats only about 100.

At fire department-related ceremonies, a color guard may carry chrome, black or gold-colored fire axes. In some cities, especially in the eastern United States, a bell is often tapped in a 5-5-5 alarm at the conclusion of the funeral chapel service. This is to signify the "last alarm" for the fallen comrade (in some areas, this signal also is transmitted to firehouses to announce a line-of-duty death). Often, fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles are used to transport the coffin to the grave site. Drummers or bagpipe players are sometimes used in these services. Transportation to various services may be by official agency limousine, fire apparatus or private limousine.

Services for EMS personnel tend to closely follow the patterns of the fire service. This is because of the similarity of the two services and because often the EMS program is operated by the fire department. A specially detailed reserve rescue unit or ambulance may be used to transport the coffin. A siren may be sounded to announce the last alarm for the deceased.

What is proper at such events? Most anything, if it is done in reverence and with dignity. Vehicles draped in black, members in full-dress uniforms, music favored by the deceased, a parade of emergency vehicles, using apparatus to bear the coffin, designating members as pallbearers and displaying flags at half staff all are appropriate. Much is up to the deceased's family. Some will prefer quiet, private services, while others will want large public ceremonies.

There are numerous details which will need attention prior to a proper memorial service. How the event is conducted will depend on the prior planning and the organization which conducts the program. We never know when a death may occur for which we may be called on to organize the services.