The Richland County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release in July requesting community support toward the local Color/Honor Guard. The Color/Honor Guard has been inactive since 2010; but Sergeant James Nicholson decided to initiate the volunteer group once again. This time he wants to do it right.
“I want to bring back the Color Guard, but I want to do it right,” said Nicholson. “I think having the appropriate dress will show the community and the sheriff’s department our appreciation.”
According to the press release in July, the attire will cost $1,100 per uniform per member. The Color/Honor Guard currently has eight members. Their goal is to “outfit eight members for the unit.” The outfit includes a dress jacket, a campaign hat, a hat strap, a tailored shirt and pants, duty belt, leather strap, boots, and white gloves.
The community members who join the Color/Honor Guard are volunteers. Members come from both military and non-military backgrounds. The press release states, “Each member must have discipline, stamina and present a professional appearance on a daily basis.”
The Color/Honor Guard trains for specific community events on a regular basis. The public functions include; funerals, graduations, parades, sporting events and other special activities.
According to Nicholson, the Color/Honor Guard has received close to $2,000 from a variety of community organizations including chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and legions from around the county. To make donations, write a check to Richland County Sheriff’s Office (Color Guard). There is not a specific date to turn in donations by.
“There is an interest still here to keep the Color Guard alive. I love doing this. I love doing it for the Sheriff’s department and I am proud to be here,” said Nicholson.
For more information on how to donate, contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Office at 419-774-3569.
