The attacks of September 11, 2001 brought about many changes to public safety workers across the country.

Police and fire departments were deservedly honored for their contributions to their communities, but EMS went unnoticed.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognized this oversight and began its campaign to educate the public on the numerous contributions of the EMS providers.

In an effort to become more visible to its residents and to honor fallen EMS providers, Tri-Community South EMS established the TCS EMS Honor Guard.

Class A uniforms were purchased, and paramilitary training in marching drills and flag bearing procedures were provided.

The TCS EMS Honor Guard debuted at the Grand Opening of Tri-Community South EMS' new base facility in Bethel Park in September of 2005.

Since that time, the TCS EMS Honor Guard has been requested at numerous flag raising ceremonies, parades, EMS funerals and state functions.

The Honor Guard has also served at the National EMS Memorial Service in Roanoke, Virginia and The Blue Mass which celebrates the work of police, fire and EMS here in Pittsburgh.

The TCS EMS Honor Guard has also made its presence felt in its three communities by presenting the Colors during the National Anthem prior to the high school football games in Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair.

The TCS EMS Honor Guard frequently combines with members of other honor guards from the City of Pittsburgh EMS, Medical Rescue Team South Authority, Ross West View EMS and Baldwin EMS.

The TCS EMS Honor Guard is a team of all volunteers who receive no monetary compensation for its service, but who take immense pride as a visible sign of American patriotism at its best.

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