The National Honor Guard Team is called upon to perform ceremonial duties at funerals and memorial services across the nation for our fallen Correctional Brothers and Sisters.

The Team was first led by Commander Steve Dizmon in 2008. In the beginning, the team consisted of 8 members that wore the CPOF badge and uniform and proudly executed their duties. Since 2019, Captain Raymond Gonsalves Jr. of Massachusetts Department of Corrections (retired) has proudly served as Honor Guard Commander.

The National Honor Guard embodies what it is to be a member of an honor guard team for units across the country. They execute the posting of colors with such flawlessness that it feels like one swift movement. The 21-gun salute is performed effortlessly with perfection and expertise. The folding of the flag is done with so much conviction and pride that you can feel it within the room.
These skills do not come naturally to this team. It is through sheer determination and hard work. Every February, the team gathers in Sacramento, California at the head office and practices for the better part of a week. They record themselves as they execute these tasks so they can watch themselves later and ensure that there are no mistakes. No errors. They share their knowledge and experiences with one another, along with how they developed their passion to be there to give honor and dignity to those that lose their lives while serving their department and keeping their community safe.

A the annual Honor Guard Team training in February of 2023, you can hear Lieutenant Mosby giving the commands to ensure an exceptional posting of colors happens every single time. You can hear the wisdom and knowledge he shares with his team in his words words and the passion and pride behind the mission in his voice. For him, there is no room for error and there is no place for failure. There is room to grow and to learn and he is readily available to teach those skills.

Lieutenant Robert Dunn leads his own team elsewhere, calling commands for a smooth and effective 21-gun salute. He demands perfection in the execution. Often times the 21-gun salute is one element that requires the most precision. If any member of the team is off by even a moment, it is loudly obvious to everyone in attendance. With Lieutenant Dunn and his impeccable leadership, the 21-gun salute is one that many teams attempt to emulate.

Officer Steve Perrine is familiar with being both a member of the honor guard and on the receiving end of the impeccable service they provide. His father, Louis Perrine, died in the line of duty in Oregon on November 17, 1994. He spends the training week not only teaching the correct way to perform the flag-folding ceremony, but also the reasons behind it.

The honor guard team also trains in marching, setting the missing officers table and in how to be there for one another. Commander Gonsalves and Assistant Commander Angela Lujan monitor every aspect of training to ensure that every teammate is able to effectively live up to their responsibilities on the team.

The National Honor Guard meets again at PROJECT 2000 each and every year. They arrive before many of the guests and leave after the attendees. When they are not in uniform executing their duties, they are in practice gear, practicing for the next event. They are in the halls, watching guard over the ballroom and they are in each and every event providing a service that few could do as well as they.

The National Honor Guard has the unique duty and privilege to be present for all of the good times and all of the bad and we thank them.

The National Honor Guard Team is composed of Correctional Staff from across the nation who passionately want to do more for their correctional family. Application periods are opened when a spot becomes available. Applications are currently being accepted until the close of buisness (5:00 p.m., PST) on Monday, August 21, 2023. To apply for the National Honor Guard Team, you must be a supporting member of CPOF. If you are not currently a member, you can become one online prior to completing your application by clicking this link. You must also have 5 years previous experience on an Honor Guard Team. To complete your application please visit our application form here.