Manalapan honor guard tapped for event in capital
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - The Manalapan Police Honor Guard has been honored with a command performance of sorts that will take place in Washington, D.C., during national ceremonies that will honor police organizations from around the United States.

The Manalapan Police Honor Guard has been selected to be the host honor guard during Police Week ceremonies that will be held in May in the nation's capital.

According to Manalapan Police Chief Stuart Brown, a police honor guard represents the department, its members and their families at police funerals, parades and other ceremonial occasions, both solemn and festive.

Brown said that in addition to rendering honors at these types of events, the police department's honor guard also serves to preserve the agency's tradition and stimulate an esprit-de-corps and pride within and for the department.

The Manalapan Police Honor Guard is maintained through the Field Services Bureau and its commander, Lt. Michael Fountain.

The honor guard members include Sgt. David Castellani, Detective Thomas Mantle, Patrolman Jonathan Suydam, Patrolman Steven Turner, Patrolman Richard Gallo, Patrolman Robert Mullin, Patrolman Leonard Maltese and Patrolman Robert Herring.

Brown said the honor guard also has the resources of department members for bagpipes which are played by Detective Paul Seetoo and Detective Samuel Britton.

Sgt. Margaret Freeman is the bugler.

Brown said the honor guard commander is responsible for selecting officers to serve with the unit. These selections must be approved by the chief of police or a designee selected by the chief.

Brown said members of the honor guard should be selected from personnel who display military bearing and demeanor, and who will present a polished professional image of the police department and the law enforcement profession.

The chief said honor guard members are required to maintain proper grooming and fitness, as well as being proficient in drill, flag folding, pall bearing, presentation of colors, parade march and other duties appropriate to their position.

Honor guard events are assigned at the discretion of the chief of police and/or the honor guard commander.

Brown said the events include but are not limited to funerals for fallen officers, funerals for retired police personnel, funerals for outside agency personnel, presentation of colors, parades, educational events and various other ceremonies.