Introduction toFuneral Planning

• Initial Considerations

• Viewing / Vigil Planning

• Funeral / Memorial Service

• Graveside Service

• Wake / Reception

INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Initial Planning Meeting

• Determine Department’s Capabilities

• Begin filling in Command Structure– NIMS ICS– Other structure as appropriate

• Identify Budget

• Safety!!

Incident Commander

OperationsLogisticsPlanning

What is available?• American Flag• Apparatus Escort• Badge Shrouding• Bag Pipes / Bugler• Bell Service• Burial in Uniform• Color Guard• Crossed Aerials• Eulogy(ies)• Fire Department Caisson• Family Liaison Officer• Fire Department Chaplain

• Flags at Half-Staff• Flag Presentation• Formations• Honor Guard• Memorial Fund• Pallbearers (departmental)• Presentation of Badge • Readings • Station Bunting • Taps• Transportation (family) • Vehicle Bunting

Family Planning Meeting

• Determine Type of Funeral– Line-of-Duty / Public / Private

• Determine family religion / culture

• Determine any family special needs / special wishes

Follow-up Department Meeting• Identify Uniform standards• Set schedule for planning meetings and

departmental briefings– Daily “information dump”– Consider including in planning meetings– Daily briefings for all departmental personnel

• Identify apparatus to be used in funeral• Begin coordinating standby apparatus• Escort from ME to funeral home

VIEWING / VIGIL PLANNING

Initial Vigil Planning

• Appoint vigil coordinator

• Confirm vigil location and hours

• Pre-walk location– Logistics– Honor Guard

Vigil Planning

• Coordinate with funeral director

• Plan any special ceremonies

• Secure family home

• Personnel / staffing concerns

• Communications

Vigil Logistics

• Parking

• Rehabilitation

• Medical standby– Addressing medical emergencies

• Mental health / peer support

• Honey Wagons

Vigil Planning

• Be prepared for the unexpected

MEMORIAL / FUNERAL PLANNING

Funeral Planning

• Appoint Memorial / Funeral Coordinator

• Confirm funeral location and time

• Coordinate with:– Clergy / Officiant– Funeral director

• Pre-walk ceremony location

Honor Guard Considerations

• Mustering uniformed personnel

• Funeral protocols

• Pallbearers

• Additional resources

• Color Guard

• Ceremonial wall

Logistical Concerns• Personnel / staffing

• Rehabilitation

• Medical Standby / Emergencies

• Mental health / peer support

• Honey Wagons

• Parking / Seating plans

• Communications

Order of Service (SAMPLE)

• Formation

• Procession

• Blessing

• Readings

• Eulogy(ies)

• Recession

Honor, Dignity and Respect

PROCESSION PLANNING

Procession Planning

• Identify Procession Coordinator

• Pre-Plan Procession route

• Identify apparatus to be used– Caisson– Pallbearers– Family vehicles– Garrison flag

Procession Planning

• Honor Guards / Color Guards / Pipers

• Transportation needs

• Mass Transit

• Apparatus Participation– Size and number

Order of Processions (SAMPLE)

• Funeral Home – Church– Lead escort– Affected Department– Affected Chief– Honorary pallbearers– Pallbearers– Caisson– Family / Friends– Rear escort

• Church – Graveside– Lead escort– Visiting PD / FD– Local PD / Officials– Affected Department– Affected Chief– Honorary Pallbearers– Pallbearers– Caisson– Family / Friends– Rear escort

INTERNMENT PLANNING

Internment Planning

• Appoint Cemetery Coordinator

• Confirm Cemetery location / time

• Coordinate with:– Funeral Director– Clergy– Cemetery Liaison

Logistical Considerations• Honor Guard

• Communications

• Staffing

• Rehabilitation

• Medical Standby

• Peer support

• Tent / Canopy?

Parking Concerns

• Parking location(s)

• Weight / length allowances

• Shuttle(s)

• Special needs

• Others

Internment Order of Service (SAMPLE)

• Arrival

• Religious Ceremony

• Military Honors

• Fire Service Honors

• Conclusion

RECEPTION PLANNING

Reception Planning

• Identify Reception Coordinator

• Confirm Location / Time

• Parking

• Refreshments

• Family Considerations

Final Thoughts• Attention to Detail

– All the Time, Every Time

• Steer the Ship

• Not “our” funeral