The Butler County sheriff's color guard, with Sheriff Mike Slupe, center, are, from left, deputies Erik McCall, Bret Hancher, Matt Setnar and Brandon Huffman.

The Butler County sheriff’s color guard took first place at the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association conference in Philadelphia last week.

Sheriff Mike Slupe praised his four deputies — Erik McCall, Bret Hancher, Matt Setnar and Brandon Huffman — who compose the unit.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the color guard,” Slupe said.

The color guard has deputies holding the United States flag and the Pennsylvania flag, flanked by two riflemen.

They’re judged on their movements, ability to act in unison, and condition of uniforms among other criteria.

Setnar, who issues commands for the guard, praised his fellow deputies.

“The guys definitely put in a lot of work,” he said.

Stenar estimated the color guard puts in roughly 50 hours of practice time throughout the year.

The color guard puts on demonstrations at parades, D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) presentations to students, and other events.

Slupe credited a donor who wishes to remain anonymous for funding the roughly $2,000 cost for the four deputies to attend two days of the annual conference, which is in its 94th year.

Butler’s color guard beat out three other ones from other sheriff’s offices in the state.

The sheriff’s association conference will be held in Butler County next year.