In this first of what will likely be multiple articles about the nuances of vehicular escorts, we encourage leaders to look beyond the obvious task of simply moving a fallen hero from place to place. It is equally important to consider the message, mood, and level of professionalism the escort will convey along the way.

We should acknowledge that we want the world to watch as we honor our fallen. In particular, you will want those you serve to recognize the gravity of the tragedy your agency and community have suffered. You will need to see that recognition, other members of your agency will need to see it, and your fallen hero’s family will need to see it as well. Your community, too, will feel a need to express its grief and appreciation.

As your citizens gather to show respect, they should be shown respect in return. Without intentional planning and orchestration, however, an escort can easily become something very different from what you intend — and on one of the most tragic days in your agency’s and community’s history.

The mood of the escort should match that moment: reverent, respectful, and solemn, just like the mood of those who will gather along the route.

For that reason, there should be no sirens except when necessary for traffic control or immediate safety. When traffic points are controlled, sirens should remain silent.

In contrast, what we often see is that all emergency vehicles run with sirens activated from beginning to end — even when passing very slowly through city streets with adults and children standing close by. Many leaders will later say that this is not what they intended. But left to chance, someone almost always activates a siren. And if one does, others will inevitably feel compelled to follow suit.

That is why leaders must give clear direction in advance. Thoughtful guidance on lights and sirens helps ensure the escort communicates what you intend: not chaos or urgency, but honor, dignity, and deep respect for both the fallen hero and the people who have come to pay tribute.

We understand that some will disagree with this. There are those who feel that the gravity of the situation calls for the mournful wail of a siren, or that the sound of many sirens somehow conveys the seriousness of the tragedy. We respectfully disagree and believe the bigger picture dictates otherwise.

Regardless, you as a leader need to consider what you would want for your agency and for one of its members should you ever find yourself in such a situation. And, as with all aspects of handling a line-of-duty death, we encourage you to consider the options and their impact, make decisions, and establish guidelines now, when it is not emotional, so those decisions can guide you when it is.