East Providence Police Honor Guard members Craig Sroka, Lt. Stephen Enos and Michael Rapoza prepare for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade in March.

The Providence Journal / Mary Murphy

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Honor Guard is back after a seven-year hiatus and busy as ever, with recent appearances at local and state parades, funerals for former officers and firefighters, city events and opening days at local Little Leagues and the Pawtucket Red Sox.

The guard will be in its finery for Sunday’s officers’ memorial service at the police station.

The honor guard had a 30-year tradition before the group unofficially disbanded in 2001 because of department turnover and a dip in morale after the accidental shooting death of Capt. Alister C. McGregor, according to Lt. Stephen Enos.

Many people have missed the honor guard’s presence at special events, Enos said, so last summer the 25-year police veteran began talking with his colleagues about resurrecting the group.

“Going without it for the last seven or eight years, it bothered a lot of guys here,” Enos said. “We had such a strong following that when we weren’t around, people were very disappointed.”

The new honor guard includes Enos and Patrolman John Twomey, two former members of the honor guard, as well as younger Patrol Officers Craig Sroka, Michael Rapoza, Daniel Brady, Maari Stainer and Kris Ellinwood.

The group practices a few times a year and before events to make sure their marching, flag presentation and personal appearance are just so.

“These guys are the cream of the crop,” Enos said. “They really take extra care to make sure that they’re well groomed and polished. They enjoy the ability to put their best foot forward for the department. It’s very rewarding.”

The honor guard has held numerous fundraisers to help pay for their custom-made uniforms, boots and hats, which the group will debut at the May 26 Memorial Day parade in Riverside. (For the last nine months, the guard has been wearing retired officers’ dress uniforms as they awaited their new gear.)

The honor guard will be at the Police Department’s fourth annual police officers’ memorial service Sunday at 11 a.m. at the police station, 750 Waterman Ave. If the weather is poor, the service will be held at the Senior Center at 610 Waterman Ave. The public is welcome.

mwims@projo.com