THE FAMILY gathers near the mahogany casket adorned with fresh roses and lilies. Despite their grief and exhaustion, they remain steadfast, receiving the hugs and condolences of those who come to pay their respects. It’s a scene revisited countless times in our lives.
But this time, others stand, one at the head and one at the feet. Silent and motionless, the overhead light glints off the polished brass buttons and spotless shoes of the officers guarding the casket. This time, it’s one of their own, a life sacrificed for the service of others.
As the family leaves and the doors lock behind them, the officers, members of a local honor guard, maintain their solemn watch. Every half hour, with clockwork precision, two fresh officers approach. The vigil transfers with a barely perceptible nod. This casket watch will continue unbroken until the funeral, a 24-hour tribute to their fallen brother or sister. Tomorrow, they’ll escort the family, serve as pallbearers, and perform the flag-folding ceremony with meticulous care. Each action bears witness to their unwavering commitment — not just to one of their own, but to the enduring values of service and sacrifice that bind their community and nation.
Locally, a dedicated group of officers embodies this sacred duty. The Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Office Honor Guard, founded to serve as the ceremonial arm of the department, carries forward a legacy of honor and respect. Their mission extends beyond somber occasions, as they act as ambassadors for the county at local, state, and national events.
A desire to give back to those who give their all in service to others led Jeanie Dodds to join the honor guard.
“It’s about honor and respect for the fallen and their families,” said Dodds, a four-year member and the honor guard’s team leader.
It’s also about training and practice that does more than emphasize protocol. It enables officers to maintain their composure while facing deeply moving situations.
Dodds explained, “The training process entails attention to detail with discipline and precision. [It includes] the continuous practice of drill movements, color guard, and funeral ceremonies while maintaining appearances by uniform inspections and grooming standards. In doing so, while performing the duties of the honor guard, it provides reverence that allows one to remain steadfast in their emotions.”
Funerals and memorial services, at first thought, seem to carry the highest toll on the honor guard members. But even when serving at community events and programs that display national, state, and departmental flags, the physicality and emotional elements are real and present.
“Though one remains steadfast while serving in the moment, you still have emotions to process no matter the honoree, whether it is during a funeral or memorial ceremony. The physical strain affects the team by performing precise drill movements for extended periods of time,” Dodds shared. “The team and I support each other through sheer camaraderie and having a certain mindset that allows us to still perform our duties.”
Many of those who witness the execution of these ceremonial duties never forget the feelings it stirs and the clear and certain honor and recognition it contributes to the occasion, whether the death of one serving their community or country or a local school program honoring veterans. In the case of a loss of life, the value is far greater than what appears on the surface.
Dodds said, “The honor guard’s presence gives families and the community a sense of pride and respect for the honoree, radiating support that they, in turn, embody, helping them remain resolute and secure in their own sentiments in their time of need. Simply put, we are solace.”
She added about the unit’s other duties: “The honor guard is an ambassador of the sheriff ’s office that can be requested for community events, school functions, public ceremonies, festivities, and meetings. Honor guard is a bridge between the community and law enforcement, building relationships. It also serves as a platform for educating the public on various law enforcement values and traditions, as well as aiding in raising awareness on important safety issues and highlighting initiatives that impact our communities’ well-being.”
A spirit of dedication guided by honor unites the members.
“Honor is many things in today’s world,” Dodds said. “It’s reverence, integrity, the unwavering commitment to one’s duty, community, faith, and family. It’s the strength to stand stoic in the face of calamity and tragedy.”
According to Dodds, performing their duties while maintaining this stoic and composed presence is not easy. But a constant awareness of the strength they lend fuels them. Taking advantage of moments to recompose by momentarily closing their eyes or offering a nod or smile resets their mindset.
Mindset is the guardrail of a law enforcement officer’s work every day.
“As a law enforcement officer, you have to be able to shift between all types of emotions like flipping a light switch. In this job, you can be in someone’s worst moment and then the next, smiling at and talking to a young child like what you had just witnessed never happened. It’s professional detachment,” Dodds detailed. “But for me, the key is, after all is said and done, taking time for reflection and remembering that the honoree’s legacy lives on.”
She continued, summing up the unit’s role and responsibilities. “The honor guard plays a vital and symbolic role in law enforcement and public service, representing the highest standards of respect, professionalism, and sacrifice. Through our ceremonial duties, we honor fallen officers, public servants, and veterans while ensuring that their legacy is remembered with dignity. The presence of the honor guard at events like memorial services and official functions serves as a reminder of the commitment the Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Office Honor Guard has made to protect and serve our community.” GN
