We the employees of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, in order to be mutually helpful to one another in an effort to
provide funeral for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, current and past Governors of North Carolina, Incumbent North Carolina General Assembly Members,
law enforcement officers from other states killed in the line of duty if the caisson is available, and any other person deemed appropriate by the Commander's Office
The Caisson Unit's Background
The North Carolina Highway Patrol / North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit was established in 2005 for the purpose of conducting funerals primarily for police officers and
firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. It is a partnership between the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the North Carolina Troopers Association with strong allies such as
the North Carolina Firemen's Association, Southern States and Farm Plus of Richmond, VA. This unit is also available to neighboring states upon request. It is governed by the North
Carolina Highway Patrol policy, but the day to day operation of the unit is the responsibility of the North Carolina Troopers Association. At this time no public funds have been spent on
this unit instead it is supported entirely by our partners, donations and gifts.
The caisson wagon is Amish built. When the wagon was received with a flat black finish it was disassembled, sanded, and
repainted to a museum quality finish by the Highway Patrol garage in Asheville. The blueprints to build the wagon were acquired from the Smithsonian Institute. Every detail was researched
and replicated to Civil War standards.
The horses used to pull the wagon are Friesians. They are solid black and stand approximately seventeen hands and weigh
approximately 1800 lbs. These horses originate in the Netherlands and have a long arching neck and unusually long mane and tail. They are widely considered to be one of the oldest and
most elegant breeds, making them perfect for this mission.
The personnel are selected after and application process and will consist of members of all ranks. All members selected
give freely of their time and talents to make this unit the best possible. Formal training is to be conducted by military personnel at Arlington National Cemetery.
