RATHDRUM - Rathdrum Police's new Honor Guard is off and marching.

The Honor Guard's first event was the recent Veterans Day ceremony at Pinegrove Cemetery.

Rathdrum police Chief Kevin Fuhr said the Honor Guard was started to add professionalism to the department, boost pride for the city and country and show patriotism.

"I want us to be represented in this way during community events such as Rathdrum Days, Veterans Day and local conferences and services," Fuhr said.

Fuhr said after former Rathdrum police officer Jonathan Franco died two years ago as a result of a motorcycle crash while off duty, he was touched by how emergency departments in the area came together to honor Franco.

"There were honor guards from multiple agencies at his funeral and I was so impressed by the professionalism," Fuhr said. "We wanted to be a part of that."

Fuhr said the cost of the program was $5,000, which included uniforms for members Ken Owens, D.J. Duke and Adam Clement. He said the group will expand as funding permits.

"It was well worth (the cost) to be represented at different events this way," Fuhr said.

Coeur d'Alene police assisted Rathdrum with training for the program.