The Sheriff’s Honor Guard was formed as a small volunteer unit in the early 1970’s and has transformed to the now impressive formation that is observed at so many functions and ceremonies today. The Honor Guard’s mission is to provide a sharp, professional, military style representation of the Sheriff at memorial services and funerals for fallen officers, parades, and any other event that they are called on to appear. One of these events is the four Memorial Day services held at the Ocala Marion County Veterans Park. The Honor Guard also participates annually at the National Police Memorial Week held in Washington DC. While at the memorial, the team participates in the Honor Guard competition that has representation from city, county, state and federal agencies from across the nation. In 2006, Your Marion County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard placed 4th out of 27 teams represented.