Firefighter Line of Duty Death Protocol
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This manual has been designed to assist Fire Departments in the proper procedures and protocol
in honoring one of their own who died in the line of duty. At a time where stress is at a high level and dignity is a must,
the small details are easily forgotten. Each funeral should be handled as an individual occurrence, customizing to the family
and Fire Dept. wishes. The family wishes must always take priority over Fire Dept. or Municipality wants. Cooperation is a
must between the Fire Dept., Police Dept., and funeral director.
The Authors of this manual have numerous experiences in dealing with line of duty funerals
and have learned that cooperation is easily found if all parties are kept informed as to what is going to happen. There is
no glory in being the "Expert" in burying firefighters, there is only self gratification in knowing that the services were
conducted with dignity and class.
One must remember "the family gets what the family wants."
Donald Dorsey- Treasurer Local #1 Pittsburgh Fire
Martin Kauer- Commander WPFM Honor Guard
William P. Ruth- Field Ed Specialist State Fire Commissioners' Office
Table of Contents
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PROCEDURES
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NOTIFICATIONS (Forms)- PEIRS (Public Safety Officer Death Report- Attachment
C)- News Release Information- Biography- Memorial and Funeral Services
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CHECKLIST
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FIREFIGHTERS' MEMORIAL FLAG DIRECTIVE
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DAY OF FUNERAL CHECKLIST
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AUTOPSY PROTOCOL
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HONOR GUARD PROCEDURES
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HONOR GUARD EQUIPMENT NEEDS
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CISD TEAMS
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BAG PIPE AND BUGLER RESOURCE LIST
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TRACKING FORMS
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GLOSSARY
Electronic verison of this manual is available at the link below: