Great Falls Police Department Honor Guard

The Great Falls Police Department Honor Guard is a relatively new addition to the agency. Although discussed for a long time, it took a tragic event to provide the impetus and motivation to see it created.

On February 6th, 2007, while en-route to Bozeman to pick up a patient, the Benefis Hospital Mercy Flight fixed wing aircraft crashed. The three crewmembers were killed:

Darcy Dengel, flight nurse
Paul Erickson, flight paramedic
Vince Kirol, pilot

Darcy was engaged to GFPD Officer Rob Beall.

Paul, a Great Falls Firefighter, was a medical member of the police department’s High Risk Unit.

Vince and his wife, a CMR High School teacher, both had close community ties.

The decision was made to form an Honor Guard to give proper recognition to these individuals and their loved ones. Officer John Green, a former Marine with Honor Guard experience, volunteered his expertise in instructing raw recruits in the art of precision drill.

Time was short, but devotion and commitment was abundant. The Honor Guard was functional in less than a week, and not at a novice level of performance. Fellow officers who witnessed the first presentation of honors expressed that they were emotionally moved by the performance and its significance. Community members sent similar sentiments.

The Honor Guard was here to stay.

The Honor Guard is available for presentation of colors at community functions, ceremonial courtesy, and, of course, rifle salutes at appropriate funeral and memorial services.

The motto of the Great Falls Police Department Honor Guard is: “Dedication, Vision, Precision” in honor of: D(arcy), V(ince), P(aul). Any questions or requests for the Honor Guard should be directed to Captain Tim Shanks at 406-771-1180.