Honor Guard
In 1988, Trooper Joe Zdunich approached administration with a proposal to organize a Utah Highway Patrol Honor Guard, to be utilized during funerals and memorial services. The Utah Highway Patrol Honor Guard was soon organized with Joe Zdunich as officer in charge (OIC). The first members included Denis Avery, Stan Bench, Jeff Bigler, Allan Coffman, Jody Dahl, Jeff Graviet, Judy Hamaker, Bill Judd, Chris Kooring, Heber Smith, Doug Twitchell, and Joe Zdunich. The Honor Guard practices close order drill, rifle salutes, taps, grave site dedication and proper flag etiquette. Jeff Bigler added a new dimension to these ceremonies by performing with the bag pipes. The first funeral which utilized the UHP Honor Guard was on July 9, 1988, for retired UHP Sergeant Stanley R. Johnson. Since that time, the Honor Guard has been utilized over 30 times. Due to many hours of practice, a commitment to excellence, and the dedication of troopers willing to serve, the Honor Guard is a proud addition to the Utah Highway Patrol.
