The Charlotte Fire Department Honor Guard is comprised of dedicated, professional men and women who are proud of the work they do. The Charlotte Fire Department Honor Guard was organized in the mid-1970's by District Chief Howard Wilson with only six members.  As the Department grew, and the number of requests for the Guard increased, members were added.  When Chief Wilson retired and Captain Jim Thompson took over the role of Honor Guard commander in 1987, the number of members had grown to fourteen.  In 2006, Battalion Chief Jim Thompson retired, and Captain Lance Foulk took over the role of Honor Guard Commander.  In 2007 Captain Lance Foulk was promoted to Battalion Chief, and still continues to serve as the Honor Guard Commander.  Today, the Honor Guard has nearly fifty members.

Its main mission, for more than 30 years, has been to serve the families of fallen firefighters. The Honor Guard stands guard for Charlotte firefighters, both active and retired, who have died, and it also goes, when requested throughout the state, to stand guard for other departments' fallen members. Their tireless efforts have made the Guard a positive force throughout North Carolina and have touched the lives of thousands. Their presence at a firefighter's memorial service demonstrates to the family left behind that their loved one held a position of distinction in the community and deserves recognition for their time spent serving the public throughout the course of their career.

Today, the Honor Guard participates in various events throughout the year, especially proudly presenting the colors of the Charlotte Fire Department and the Flag of the United States of America. 

Charlotte Fire Dept. Honor Guard presents the Stars and Strips at the NFL Monday Night Football game                   (December 2008)

Charlotte Fire Dept. Honor Guard at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial with Chief Hannan (2008)

Over the past fourteen years, members have traveled to the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, MD to participate in the fallen firefighters' memorial service, which is held annually in the first weekend of October.

They present the colors at a Carolinas Panthers game each year, such as the Monday Night Football game in December 2008.  The Guard also participates in the Thanksgiving Carousel Parade and the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. In addition, they have worked with other fire departments across North Carolina to assist them in forming their own honor guard units. 

The Charlotte Fire Department Honor Guard also provides services for special events and parades upon request. To find out more about this program please e-mail the Charlotte Fire Department Honor Guard Commander, Battalion Chief Lance Foulk.