MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Police Department announces an agreement has been reached to assist local funeral homes with their processions through the city.

The service has not been performed on a regular basis since it was suspended due to layoffs of officers in the mid-1980s.

The service will consist of a marked cruiser leading the processions from the funeral home to the cemetery. If the cemetery is out of town, the officer will assist the procession until it reaches the city limits.

This agreement does not guarantee that all funeral processions will be escorted. The Mount Vernon Police Department will assist in any procession, for which the proper request has been made to the funeral director, if manpower is available.

It is also the wish of the local funeral director and the Chief of Police to educate the public on what is expected of them as they encounter a procession.

“We hope to assist the local media in this process so we all know what to expect from each other,” said Chief Mike Merrilees.