This section is for all deceased members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Line of Duty, Medal of Valor Recipient, and Executive Department Member Death:
These protocols are reserved for personnel, including reserves, who have died in the line of duty while engaged in the suppression of criminal activity or community service. These may also include a death from a long term injury or illness that occurred in the line of duty, if it is determined by the concerned Assistant Sheriff, with assistance from the Disability Management and Compliance Unit, prior to the service.
These same protocols, at the discretion of the Sheriff, shall also be extended to all Department Medal of Valor recipients and personnel at the rank of Assistant Sheriff and above, whether the death occurred on or off-duty, including retired Assistant Sheriffs and above.
These honors shall be considered Tier 1 and may include the following services:
Honor guard with flag folding and presentation;
Rider-less horse;
Rifle salute;
Taps;
Missing man flyover;
End of watch radio broadcast; and
Procession motors escort (low speed).
All Tier 1 services shall be coordinated jointly by the Disability Management and Compliance Unit and Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB) personnel. Memorial bands shall be worn for all Tier 1 services.
The use of Department motors during a “low speed” procession shall only be provided at a Tier 1 funeral service.
On-Duty:
The following protocols are for personnel that pass away while on-duty, but were not directly related to the suppression of criminal activity or community service (i.e., heart attack, accident, etc.).
These honors shall be considered Tier 2 and may include the following services:
Honor guard with flag folding and presentation;
Taps; and
Single helicopter flyover (if available).
All Tier 2 services shall be coordinated jointly by the Disability Management and Compliance Unit and EOB personnel.
Off-Duty and Retired:
The following protocols are for personnel, both active and retired, that pass away while off-duty, not engaged in the suppression of criminal activity (i.e., terminal illness, heart attack, traffic collision, etc.).
These honors shall be considered Tier 3 and may include the following services:
Honor guard with flag folding and presentation (if available and requested by the family); and
Taps (if available and requested by the family).
The unit of assignment shall notify the Disability Management and Compliance Unit upon becoming aware of a member passing away. Depending on the size and scope of the Tier 3 service, EOB shall be consulted.
These guidelines shall not preclude the family from having additional ceremonies at the deceased’s funeral (e.g., military, bagpiper, dove release, etc.).
The concerned Assistant Sheriff shall have the discretion to resolve any other requests regarding the Department’s involvement, ensuring these protocols are adhered to.