The Funeral Escort Unit was established in 1996, this volunteer unit is touted as the first of its kind in Florida, and perhaps the nation. This unit assists local funeral home directors by providing an escort for all funeral processions in Marion County. Members of this volunteer unit are authorized to direct traffic, as needed, while escorting the funeral procession to its final destination. In 2008, this unit escorted 605 funeral processions and drove almost 47,000 miles.
