On Sunday, November 20, the Stamford EMS Honor Guard will march in Stamford’s UBS Parade Spectacular. Dressed impeccably in crisp uniforms, and displaying the national, state and EMS flags known as ‘colors,’ the Stamford EMS (SEMS) Honor Guard will proudly represent the EMS community in this annual tradition.
The SEMS Honor Guard team, comprised of seven individuals with over 60 years of combined EMS experience, provides ceremonial services throughout the city, the state, and even the nation. They attend dedications, awards ceremonies, conferences, parades and other formal events, representing the private nonprofit organization that delivers ambulance services to the city.
More difficult assignments include memorials and providing funeral honors for active and veteran first responders. In these cases, the Honor Guard serves as pallbearers, and presents national and state colors, often with very little notice. Their service is provided to help families and organizations work through their most challenging days.
SEMS Honor Guard Commander Michael Mansi was motivated to join the Stamford EMS Honor guard after witnessing the honors extended to his sister, a paramedic who passed away in 2009.
“The EMS Honor Guard stood at her casket; it was very moving for my family, especially my mom. I was so moved I decided to join the SEMS Honor Guard, and I know our attendance at funerals makes a big difference to other families,” said Mansi.
“I’m very proud of our Honor Guard,” said Patricia Squires, SEMS Executive Director. “Just as our medics respond to every call, treating people with care and compassion, so too does our Honor Guard respond, striving for excellence, presenting a highly disciplined team that serves with honor.”
About Stamford Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (SEMS).
Since it accepted responsibility for Stamford’s ambulance services in 1992, Stamford Emergency Medical Services has remained clearly focused in its mission to provide high quality, compassionate emergency care and education to the communities it serves. Connecticut’s only accredited EMS agency, SEMS services over 14,000 calls each year as a private, nonprofit organization. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit stamfordems.org or call (203) 968-1118.