Board Resolution No. 2026-02-04-01: Recognition of the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association

WISCONSIN EMS ASSOCIATION (WEMSA)

Board Resolution No. 2026-02-04-01

A Resolution Recognizing the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association as the Official Honor Guard for Emergency Medical Services in Wisconsin

INTRODUCTION

This Resolution is submitted to the WEMSA Board of Directors for consideration at the duly noticed meeting on February 4th, 2026.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, WEMSA is a Wisconsin non‑stock corporation and 501(c)(6) trade association whose mission is to advocate for, educate, and support Emergency Medical Services in Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, WEMSA represents and supports public, non-profit private, volunteer, hospital-based, and other EMS agencies and professionals across Wisconsin, and recognizes the importance of honoring EMS providers’ service and sacrifice;

WHEREAS, the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association (the “Honor Guard Association”) is a statewide organization of EMS professionals and honor guard members dedicated to providing ceremonial and memorial services, including line-of-duty death services, funerals, memorials, and other events that recognize the service of EMS personnel in Wisconsin;

WHEREAS, the Honor Guard Association has for many years collaborated with EMS agencies, associations, and statewide partners to uphold traditions of honor, dignity, and respect for EMS personnel and their families;

WHEREAS, WEMSA wishes to formally recognize the Honor Guard Association as the official honor guard for EMS in Wisconsin in order to:

• Provide clarity to EMS agencies, families, and partners seeking official honor guard services;
• Strengthen coordination around honors, memorials, line-of-duty death responses, and statewide ceremonies; and
• Affirm the value of ceremonial traditions that recognize the contributions and sacrifices of EMS professionals;

WHEREAS, this recognition is honorary and ceremonial in nature, and does not create or confer governance authority, operational control over local honor guards, or any ongoing financial obligation by WEMSA beyond what may be separately approved in WEMSA’s annual budget or by subsequent Board action;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin EMS Association as follows:

Section 1. Official Recognition

1.1 The Board of Directors hereby recognizes the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association as the official honor guard for Emergency Medical Services in Wisconsin for ceremonial, memorial, and line-of-duty death–related observances involving EMS providers and agencies.

1.2 This recognition is statewide in scope but does not preclude or limit any local EMS agency, municipality, or region from maintaining its own honor guard or from using other ceremonial units as they deem appropriate.

1.3 This recognition does not establish any legal partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between WEMSA and the Honor Guard Association, and does not confer the authority to speak or act on behalf of WEMSA except as may be expressly authorized in writing by the Executive Director or Board.

Section 2. Relationship, Coordination, and Use of Name

2.1 WEMSA will list the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association as the “Official Honor Guard for EMS in Wisconsin” in appropriate WEMSA publications, the WEMSA website, and relevant ceremonial or memorial materials, subject to WEMSA’s branding and communications standards.

2.2 The Honor Guard Association may reference this recognition in its own materials using the phrase “Recognized by the Wisconsin EMS Association as the Official Honor Guard for EMS in Wisconsin,” provided that:

1. Such references are accurate and not misleading; and
2. Any use of WEMSA’s name or logo complies with WEMSA’s brand, logo, and name-use guidelines as may be issued or updated by the Executive Director.

2.3 WEMSA and the Honor Guard Association are encouraged to collaborate on:

1. Statewide EMS memorial and remembrance events;
2. Line-of-duty death response guidance and best practices;
3. Education and awareness regarding honor guard protocols for municipal and other EMS agencies; and
4. Appropriate ceremonial activities at WEMSA’s annual conference and other statewide gatherings.

Section 3. Memorandum of Understanding and Implementation

3.1 The Executive Director is authorized to develop and, if appropriate, execute a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard Association to:

1. Clarify roles and expectations in connection with WEMSA-sponsored events;
2. Outline communication and coordination processes for line-of-duty deaths, funerals, and statewide memorials; and
3. Address any logistical matters related to WEMSA conferences, ceremonies, or special events.

3.2 Any MOU or agreement that would create a material financial obligation, long-term commitment, or indemnification on behalf of WEMSA shall be presented to the Board for review and approval prior to execution.

3.3 The Executive Director is authorized and directed to:

1. Communicate this recognition to WEMSA members, partners, and stakeholders through appropriate channels (e.g., email, website, conference announcements); and
2. Coordinate with the Honor Guard Association to ensure alignment on messaging, contact information, and processes for agencies or families requesting services.

Section 4. Fiscal and Operational Considerations

4.1 Nothing in this Resolution obligates WEMSA to fund or underwrite the operations, uniforms, travel, or other expenses of the Honor Guard Association beyond any expenditures that are:

1. Specifically approved by the Board (e.g., sponsorships, conference support, or project-specific funding); or
2. Incorporated into an approved WEMSA annual operating budget.

4.2 Staff is authorized to make minor administrative and logistical adjustments as needed to support implementation of this Resolution, provided such adjustments are consistent with WEMSA policies, budget, and applicable law.

Section 5. Policy and Bylaws Consistency

5.1 The Board affirms that this Resolution is consistent with WEMSA’s mission and purposes as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

5.2 If any conflict is identified between this Resolution and WEMSA policies, the Executive Director is authorized to propose conforming edits to such policies for subsequent Board review and approval.

Section 6. Severability

6.1 If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

ADOPTION

Adopted by the WEMSA Board of Directors on February 4th, 2026.