For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Two Amesbury Firefighters Graduate from National Honor Guard Academy

AMESBURY — Chief Kenneth E. Berkenbush is pleased to announce that two Amesbury firefighters graduated from the National Honor Guard Academy (NHGA) last week.

Firefighters Jeremy Bean and Mike Bell graduated from National Honor Guard Academy Class 2016-3, which ran from Aug. 7-12. A ceremony was held in East Grandy, Conn. on Friday, Aug. 12, where Chief Berkenbush and Deputy Chief James Nolan were in attendance.

The NHGA focuses on how to respectfully handle the death of an emergency service provider and care for the family and loved ones during the burial process.

“I’m proud of Firefighters Bell and Bean in their completion of the National Honor Guard Academy,” Chief Berkenbush said. “They chose to learn and help honor all fallen emergency service personnel after they’ve given the ultimate sacrifice. They should be very proud of themselves, as we – the fire department – are of them.”

The academy training was located in Windsor Locks, Conn. and ran from Aug. 7-12 with grueling 12 hour days. Each morning started with physical training and afternoon courses that included church and casket protocol, flag etiquette and basic drill and ceremonial movements.

The week long academy ends with a complete mock funeral and helps plan the events at the funeral home, church and cemetery, which is where students are evaluated on knowledge and execution as well as their their command and coordination.

Firefighter Bell joined the Amesbury Fire Department in 2009 and Firefighter Bean in 2010. Both are certified Massachusetts Certified Paramedics.

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