Nahant Police Honor Guard seeks uniform donations

NAHANT – Rain or shine, the Nahant Police Honor Guard represents the town in parades, at funerals and other events, and now members of the Honor Guard are asking area residents to assist them.Sgt. Steve Shultz, who is a member of the Honor Guard, said the Honor Guard uniforms date back to the 1960s and are in dire need of replacement.”The Nahant Police Honor Guard serves as the Ceremonial Unit for the Police Department,” Shultz said. “In addition to leading our department in the annual Memorial Day parade, the Honor Guard participates in several other ceremonies a year. The Nahant Police Honor Guard is a direct representation of our department and the town of Nahant at these ceremonies. Though some of the requests we get for our participation are for joyous occasions, all too often our presence represents a show of support during funeral services for a member of our military, a fellow police officer or an officer’s family member.”The Honor Guard currently consists of Shultz and Officers Armand Conti, Joe Lyons, Tim Furlong and Keith O’Brien.Shultz said the members of the Honor Guard are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and equipment and it would cost at least $1,200 to replace each uniform.The members of the Honor Guard volunteer their time for these occasions,” Shultz said. “Many times these events take us away from our families at a cost which can be both time consuming and financial. The members of the unit take great pride in being able to perform this duty and serve as representatives of the town of Nahant. It is this same pride and dedication with which we serve that we ask you to help us raise the money needed to purchase the uniforms and support the unit.”Shultz added the officers understand most people are having a tough time financially and this is not the best time to ask for donations or have a fundraiser.”It is that same financial climate that has brought us to make this request,” Shultz said. “Any shortfall in the fundraising raffle will be the responsibility of the individual officers.”The Nahant Police Honor Guard is selling raffle tickets to raise money for new uniforms. To date, two pairs of Red Sox tickets, a golf outing, restaurant gift cards, a Harley rental and other items have been donated for the raffle. Anyone who would like to donate an item for the raffle should contact Shultz at 781-581-1212.Raffle tickets are three for $10 and are available from any member of the police department or by calling 781-581-1212.The winning tickets will be drawn on May 15, which is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, at Kelly Greens starting at 6:30 p.m.