Saint Paul Firefighter's L21 Honor Guard

12/31/2025

Joined by members of the Harris and Lino Lakes Fire Departments, Local 21 honored Brother Tim Bertz today with a private interment at Fort Snelling and a memorial service at Maranatha Church. Tim’s fire service family stood with him and his loved ones, honoring the supreme sacrifice he made in the line of duty. Local 21 President Kyle Thornberg, IAFF 5th DVP Mahlon Mitchell, and MPFF President Scott Vadnais presented Tim’s wife with the IAFF Line of Duty Death Medal of Honor, followed by a Last Alarm and ceremonial bell.

Rest easy, Brother Bertz. We’ve got it from here.

12/19/2025

This week, we were proud to present the colors at two important events: the St. Paul Fire Department’s 2025-B Recruit Class Graduation and the retirement ceremony for Fire Chief Butch Inks.

To the 2025-B Recruit Class—congratulations. You’ve earned your spot. Welcome to the streets. Stay sharp, take care of each other, and get after it.

To Chief Inks, congratulations on your retirement and thank you for a career of service and leadership. We appreciate the support you’ve shown the Honor Guard over the years and wish you the best moving forward.

10/01/2025

We were a part of the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on Saturday, 28 September, at the State Capitol in St. Paul honoring the 250+ names of firefighters that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty from Minnesota.

Members: Captain Golden, Captain Tweed, FF/EMT Mariscal, FF/PM Weeks

09/27/2025

Supported our Peer Fitness group in their HERO Workout to honor and carry on the legacy of 3 of our members lost in the Line of Duty, FF/PM Jason Woodbury, FF/PM Shane Clifton, and FF/EMT Thomas McDonough, Jr.

Members: FF/PM Adam Arcand, FF/PM Scott T. Weeks

09/24/2025

RIP Brother.

It is with deep regret, and a heavy heart that the Emerald Society shares the sad news of the passing of our 2025 Irishman of the Year, FF Aaron Clark of Rescue Co. 1.

Last evening, Aaron took his final breath at 5:12 pm after a long hard fight with pancreatic cancer.

Aaron was one of the humblest do-ers on the job. He did so much for so many people without any want or need of recognition. He was a man of compassion, heart, kindness, and dependability.

Prior to joining the FDNY, Aaron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His previous assignments include Ladder 80, Ladder 4, and Rescue 1. He was a proud member of the USMC Leatherneck Pipes & Drums and the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes & Drums.

A dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and su***de prevention, Aaron served as a peer support leader with Friends of Firefighters - a free and confidential mental health service offered to members (and families) of the New York City Fire Department.

Adittionally, Aaron has served as an advisor, spokesman, and board member with the Guardian Project, Healing 4 Heros, the Spartan Sword, Independence Corps, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the White Heart Foundation.

Throughout his adult life, Aaron had consistently provided assistance to firefighters, police officers and members of the military throughout the U.S. and other countries over the last 17 years.

Through his nation-wide attendance at veteran/first responder groups and functions, Aaron worked tirelessly to increase mental health awareness and support for the men and women in forefront of these communities.

Please pray for the repose of his soul, his family, their friends and all those who had the privelage of knowing the genuiness inside his heart.

Rest easy, brother.

‘Til we meet again.

Semper Fidelis

09/23/2025

09/23/2025

This past week, our honor guard has been in Colorado Springs participating in the 2025 Fallen FF Memorial. Over 1400 IAFF members from the US and Canada attended to honor 311 names being added to the wall. Roles included, bell ringing, posting of colors, name reading, pipes & drums, and additional ceremonial duties.
This year, we added retired Captain, Larry Goodman to the wall. We supported his family during the last week to honor his name, legacy, and commitment to service. We will never forget our fallen.

Members Attended: Captain Cox, Captain Crittenden, Captain Golden, Captain Schenck, Captain Tweed, FF/EMT Mariscal, FF/PM Weeks