Rapid City Police Department trains with Ellsworth’s honor guard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kimberly Moore Limrick
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
One of Ellsworth's honor guard's four-day training classes wrapped up April 12, but this class was different from most as it included officers from the Rapid City Police Department. 

The officers come out to train so they can provide proper honors for their own members who lose their lives, said Staff Sgt. Ruben TrejoSanchez, 28th Bomb Wing Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge. 

Ellsworth's honor guard holds regular training classes for its new members; however, it's been nearly two years since the last joint-training class was held. Sergeant TrejoSanchez explained, the police department's honor guard leader, Fred Baxter, called and said there were new officers who would like to go through the training. The honor guard included the police officers in the next scheduled class. 

"It's nice that we can come out and train with the professionals," said Jesse Campion, Rapid City Police Department patrol officer and participant in the training class.
Officer Campion said he had some difficulty marching in-step and with facing movements. 

"The most difficult thing was synchronizing the movements; it's like learning a new language," Officer Campion said. 

In addition to marching and facing movements, the group was trained on posting the colors, funerals and firing party. 

The police officers will continue to practice with the RCPD and utilize their new skills at the upcoming police week where they'll post the colors and perform a firing party. 

Officer Campion expressed his thanks to Ellsworth saying, "Kudos to the honor guard and everyone on it. Everyone was very friendly, and it's been an honor to train with them."
Sergeant TrejoSanchez said, "It's always an honor and a privilege to work so closely with the Rapid City Police Department. I am confident they will honor their own as we honor ours -- with the utmost respect and dignity." 

For more information or if interested joining the Ellsworth Honor Guard, call Sergeant TrejoSanchez at 385-1186.