Plymouth County Sheriff's Department

Honor Guard

Plymouth County Honor Guard stands at attention in the Senate Chamber. In the photo L to R, Honor Guard Rifleman Paul Donatio, National color bearer Mike Halloran, State color bearer Mike Loring, Department color bearer Nathan Wilder, Rifleman Brian Martin and Commander Lt. Dwayne Fortes.

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard Creed

I am a loyal and dedicated member of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard

My standards of conduct and judgment, high level of
professionalism for public service place me above all those who are in my profession.

I have sacrificed and, trained very hard earning the right to wear the ceremonial uniform.

I am well disciplined and conditioned to perfect all
movements with precision throughout every drill and ceremony.

The level at which I perform will never be dictated or compromised by the type of ceremony I am in attendance of.

A resounding presence, maintaining my bearing, an endurance both mentally and physically are invisible to audiences by never showing restlessness do to the
severity of the temperature, nor the size of the crowd.

I am constantly driven to excel by a strong sense
of dedication unknown to many others who have not tasted the sweet taste of self accomplishment.

While on ceremonies, I stand sharp and crisp,
motionless by choice, for I have voluntarily chosen
to be a member of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard.

“And So I am A Plymouth County Honor Guardsman.”

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard was formed as a result of Correction Officer Steve Landry’s death in a motorcycle accident in 1997. Correctional Officer Shawn Pace had passed away from a bout with cancer in 2002. Between those tragic moments, an Honor Guard was formed. Three members of the original Honor Guard are still currently serving on the unit: Jason Tibbetts (BCI), Paul Donatio (transportation) and Brian Martin (print shop)

Today, seven department employees are assigned to the Honor Guard commanded by Lieutenant Dwayne Fortes. The primary duties of the Honor Guard are to provide professional services for funeral honors, parades, various ceremonies and official state and county functions. The Honor Guard is a ceremonial escort composed of full time Plymouth County Sheriff Department employees. Employees must be a sworn Deputy Sheriff current in all required classes and qualifications.

Honor Guard Commander Dwayne Fortes believes, “It is critical to have individuals who share the same values and goals set forth for the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard. It takes precision, unity, team work and a great amount of discipline to accomplish a ceremonial unit with a command presence like no other unit upholding the positive reputation of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, with all law enforcement agencies and the general public. Only those persons, who are highly motivated and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance, conduct and show aptitudes for ceremonial duty are considered.”

The Goal set and agreed upon by all seven members of the Plymouth County Honor Guard is: To be the pinnacle of a well disciplined reputable unit for all others to follow.

Most recently, the unit won first at Abington’s thirtieth anniversary St. Patrick’s Day parade 2009 for best marching unit and uniform, as well as a first place at the Tri-Town Veteran's Day Parade, November 2009. The Honor Guard went to Washington, DC’s Judiciary Square, for National Police week 2009. It honors all of America's federal, state and local law enforcers. Inscribed on the Memorial's blue-gray marble walls are the names of more than 17,500 officers who have been killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1792.

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presented in Washington, DC to honor a former Deputy Sheriff and Duxbury Police Officer Melvin Dyer who was struck by a vehicle while working a road detail and later passed away in 2008. Melvin Dyer was added to the memorial wall in May 2009.

The Honor Guard Unit continues represent the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department with loyalty, honor and pride and with the highest degree of professionalism.

Respectfully;

PCSD Honor Guard

Washington, DC. Judiciary Square

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department headed down to Washington, DC. to Memorial Police Week, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Honor Guard Commander Lieutenant Dwayne Fortes stated, “The honor guard was taken back by the 17,500 names that were inscribed on the blue-gray marble walls. Even more heart wrenching was the night of the candle light vigil, watching families with young children whom lost a loved one in the line of duty and being escorted by uniformed officers in to the memorial.” The honor guard made their way to various historical land marks while in Washington, DC, also making a stop at nearby Arlington Virginia to the Arlington National Cemetery.

Assistant Honor guard Commander Jason Tibbetts stated, “The World War II Memorial was a memorable visit. The Honor Guard got to take a picture and talk with two WWII Veterans who were present to view the historical memorial. It was an honor to be in the presence of them two gentlemen that served in WWII.”

Honor Guard Rifleman Paul Donatio said, “I looked forward to viewing the Vietnam Memorial Wall. I actually found the name of a friend of mine from childhood. Being in ceremonial uniform and hearing many positive comments from other visitors who passed bye on how professional we looked made for a proud and memorable moment as we were asked if we could join them for pictures.”

Honor Guard Flag Bearer Mike Loring, Added, “I enjoyed the view from the Washington Monument.The honor guard was standing close by to the entrance of the monument, looking to take a picture and was approached by the Capitol Park Police who invited us in to view the WWII memorial, Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, White House, Pentagon, and Jefferson Memorial from 550 feet up at the very top. You could actually feel the monument sway side to side while looking out of the viewing windows.”

Honor Guard Sergeant of Arms Brian Martin stated, “I enjoyed our time spent touring all the historical monuments and land marks. I especially enjoyed being a part of honoring a former member of the Plymouth County sheriff’s Department, (Melvin Dyer) and all the other law enforcers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty.”

Lieutenant Dwayne Fortes made a closing comment stating, “This was the first out of state ceremony this honor guard has attended. “The eight hundred and fifty mile commute round trip, tight living quarters we shared and the reason for initially setting out to Washington DC, truly unified us as a unit. Our goal is to return to Washington DC in May 2010 to take part in the escorting of families in to Judiciary Square. Also enter and place well in the Honor Guard competition.”

The Honor Guard would like to thank Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr. and Director James Muscato for making our trip to Washington, DC. possible.

Respectfully;

PCSD Honor Guard

Honor Guard Unit:

Lieutenant Dwayne Fortes (Commander) – 16 years with the department, Senior Drill Instructor for recruit academy, 1 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to unit G on the 11-7 shift.

Deputy Sheriff Jason Tibbetts (Assistant Commander) -10 years with the department, 10 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to BCI on the 7-3 shift.

Deputy Sheriff Paul Donatio (rifleman) – 19 years with the department, 12 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to Transportation on the 7-3 shift.

Correctional Officer Brian Martin (rifleman)- 12 years with the department, 12 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to the Print Shop on the 8-4 shift.

Correctional Officer Mike Halloran (National Color Bearer) 7 years with the department, member of the Tactical Response Team, member of the Honor Guard (May 2009), currently assigned to security on the 3-11 shift.

Correctional Officer Mike Loring (State Color Bearer)- 3 years with the department, 2 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to security on the 7-3 shift, member of the Tactical Response Team.

Correctional Officer Nathan Wilder (Department Color Bearer)- 3 years with the department, 1 year member of the honor guard currently assigned to security on the 11-7 shift.