315th Honor Guard partners with Charleston Police Department for training Published June 13, 2008 By Capt. Wayne Capps 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- Honor Guard training at Charleston Air Force Base is now fostering a unique partnership between the 315th Airlift Wing and the Charleston Police Department. Members of the Charleston Police Department graduated today from the Air Force's 10-day honor guard training class. The training program was the brain child of Tech. Sgt. Dennis Washington, a reservist with the 81st Aerial Port Squadron here. Sergeant Washington also wears many other hats, he is the founder and noncommissioned officer in charge of the 315th Airlift Wing's honor guard, and he is also a Charleston police officer and a member of their honor guard. "This is the first time that any of the police honor guard has had formal training since it started in the early 80's," said Washington. "I am able to take my military experience to use it to benefit my civilian job". Sergeant Washington said the class of six members is just the beginning, he hopes to train the other six members of the police honor guard soon. "My goal is to have them perform the same as the military," said Washington. Senior Master Sergeant Denise Swick, the program manager for the 315th Airlift Wing honor guard, is proud of the partnership that is being built between the two agencies. "I think it is important to build these kinds of partnerships, it benefits us and the police department." Sergeant Swick also discussed Sergeant Washington's passion for the honor guard. "By taking the initiative to set this program up just shows the dedication he has for the job. He is very passionate about what the honor guard represents."