ORDINANCE NO. BL2010-809

An Ordinance amending Chapter 2.44 of the Metropolitan Code to require the police department to provide an honor guard and/or police escort for the funerals of retired and active police officers at the request of the officer’s family.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Chapter 2.44 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new Section 2.44.120.

2.44.120 Police honor guard and funeral escort for deceased police officers.
A. Upon the request of the family of a deceased police officer or a former police officer that was receiving a metropolitan government service or disability pension at the time of death, the police department shall provide an honor guard one hour before the funeral service and/or shall provide a police escort for the funeral procession within the area of the metropolitan government. Such honor guard and/or police escort shall be provided at no cost to the family. The police escort shall, at a minimum, consist of two police cars with their emergency equipment activated from the funeral home or place of the funeral service to the cemetery. The written request required by this ordinance shall be provided to the chief of police not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the funeral.
B. The chief of police shall have the authority to promulgate necessary rules and regulations consistent with the requirements of this section to further its implementation.

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Gotto, Michael Craddock, Phil Claiborne