The Honor Guard was established 2006 for the purpose of rendering military and fire department honors to visiting dignitaries, deceased veterans entitled to fire department funerals and other ceremonial occasions as directed. The Honor Guard Team’s mission is to represent Tracy Fire Department’s dedication to the residents of the City of Tracy and San Joaquin County through its continued commitment to excellence. Honor Guard Team members are versed in military customs and courtesies, as well as respect to the flag and honor to the colors of our nation. Honor Guard members are expected to maintain the highest morals and values of the Tracy Fire Department. It is the intention of the Honor Guard to pay tribute to our fire service family, past and present, in triumph and tragedy,

in remembrance and in celebration, with Honor, Respect and Compassion. The Honor Guard has posted colors for many audiences, including the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers, Sacramento Kings and other sporting events. They have also marched for the 4th of July Parades in Tracy and Mountain House. Each member of the Tracy Fire Department Honor Guard Team considers it a privilege and distinction to serve both their department and their community. The Tracy Fire Department Honor Guard Team consists of members of all ranks. They include: Captain Tom Baldocchi, Captain Paul O’Neal, Captain/Paramedic Steve Bliss, Captain/Paramedic Scott Byers, Captain/Paramedic Brian Bagley, Engineer Ruben Cortinas, Engineer Stephen Major, Engineer/Paramedic Laura Hernandez, Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Perez, Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Bunch and Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Gates. — Submitted by Engineer Ruben Cortinas