MISSION

The primary mission of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department Honor Guard is to honor the memory of our fallen firefighters, along with their accomplishments and commitment to life as firefighters.  We will endeavor to provide comfort, support and strength to their surviving family members.  We will ensure that the sacrifices of both the firefighters and their families are never forgotten.

We strive to place the Airports Authority and the Fire & Rescue Department in the most positive light by performing in department, Airports Authority and public functions and ceremonies.

HISTORY

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department Honor Guard was established in 2007. The original Honor Guard members practiced and performed with members of the Airports Authority Police Honor Guard and quickly became self sufficient, practicing under the direction of the first Honor Guard Commander, Technician John “Andy” Garcia.

Soon after the team was established, the region suffered the tragic loss of a Maryland State Police helicopter, Trooper 2.  With pieced together departmental and borrowed equipment and uniforms, the Honor Guard was requested for the first time to honor the life of a fallen Emergency Medical Technician.  The Honor Guard exemplified the mission statement of the team.  A comprehensive training an operations manual has been produced.  The Honor Guard continues to train on a regular basis and attend events within the region.