Evanston’s Honor Guard has been stepping out lately. The ceremonial unit, composed of select police officers and firefighters, played a part in this summer’s dedication of Fireman’s Park and in the memorial services held there on Sept. 11.
Showstoppers rather than crime-stoppers in their ceremonial role as Honor Guard, these men and women “are so committed that they pay for their own uniforms,” said Evanston police sergeant Dennis Prieto, whose work helped form the Honor Guard in Evanston.
They also volunteer their time for drills and appearances, he said. Other members of the Honor Guard are Detective Anna Ostap, and officers Larry Miller, Bill Teasley, Scott Sengenberger and Nate Bazner.
“Sgt. Prieto and other officers have come forward with the idea to reinstitute and reinvigorate the Honor Guard. They have done a very nice job of representing the police department,” Police Chief Richard Eddington told the RoundTable.
Earlier this month Evanston’s Honor Guard joined many others in honoring World War II veterans at Midway Airport returning from the Honor Flight – a round trip to Washington, D.C., air fare courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
On Nov. 11, Evanston’s Honor Guard will join others – veterans, civic leaders and residents – in observing Veterans’ Day, beginning at 10 a.m. at Fountain Square, honorarily titled Veterans Memorial Plaza.