A dedicated group of law enforcement officers have been working hard the past few months to perfect their role for special service events.
Sheriff Jim Ruth re-established the sheriff’s Honor Guard with special emphasis on honoring our military forces who keep our country and shores safe. The sheriff’s office has a history of recognition of the sacrifice of our men and women of the armed forces by dedicating the current justice center to them in 2004.
The guard consists of nine deputies from the six divisions of the BCSO who serve in a secondary duty assignment as the official representatives of the Sheriff’s Office in formal events.
The nine deputies serve as Honor Guard on a strictly volunteer basis and must devote off-duty time for special training and drills.
Candidates are thoroughly screened and must make a solid commitment required for the many hours of training. Selection is based on motivation to serve and adherence to exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct.
The Honor Guard is called on many times throughout the year to provide military-style service at ceremonial events and funerals for members of the Sheriff’s Office fallen in the line of duty, as well as when called upon by other law enforcement agencies.
They are also involved in the Law Enforcement Memorial Service, which is held each year at the Memorial Wall to honor those from local law enforcement — Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland Police Department, Charleston Police Department — who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The formal uniform of the BCSO Honor Guard includes the midnight blue beret. The beret displays an emblem that features special “flash,” which shows a thin blue line in recognition of police service over the Bradley County Sheriff’s star.
The beret was selected primarily in honor and recognition of troops who have served this country. It is also generally accepted as proper headgear to recognize an elite or distinguished unit.
The “green beret,” which was first worn in World War II by British Commandos as their official head dress, was adapted as part of the official uniform of the 10th Special Force of the U.S. Army in 1952.
Years later in 1961, President John F. Kennedy asked that Special Forces Soldiers wear the green beret during a planned visit to Fort Bragg. Kennedy recognized the significance of the green beret as a symbol of excellence and dedication for the trying times ahead.
The following year, with the beginning of Vietnam War, Kennedy sent a memo to the Army reiterating his view that the green beret was a mark distinction in the fight for freedom.
The green beret can only be worn by soldiers in the U.S. Army who have been awarded the Special Services Tab. It is also worn by Commandos in several countries to signify their connection to British Commandos in World War II.
The blue beret, viewed as a sign of peacekeeping, was first seen by American Forces in Vietnam and became a sign of honor for our military. The midnight blue beret is also worn by the elite U.S. Air Force Security Police and is worn worldwide by special units of civilian police forces. The Armed Response Team of the famous London Metropolitan Police wore the dark blue berets and were nicknamed the “Blue Berets.”
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is made up of many men and women who have served with distinction in the U.S. military. Beginning with Sheriff Ruth, who served in Vietnam, they have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama, Grenada, and other foreign lands.
The U.S. Army, Army Airborne, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard are all represented by deputy sheriffs. Many have served in special elite units, like the Green Berets, Air Force Security Forces, and in special units of the Marine Corps.
The BCSO Honor Guard is commanded by Lt. Kevin Whitaker, a former Marine.
