History

The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department funerals in the united states goes back over one hundred fifty years.

When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to this country, they brought many of their traditions with them. One of these was the bagpipe, often played at Celtic weddings, funerals and ceilis (dances).

It wasn't until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the east coast of the United States that the tradition of the pipes really took hold in fire departments.

Factories and shops had signs reading NINA-no Irish need apply. The only jobs they could get were the ones no one else wanted -jobs that were dirty, dangerous or both - fire-fighters and police officers.

It was not an uncommon event to have several firefighters killed at a working fire.

The Irish firefighters funerals were typical of all Irish funerals-the pipes were played.

It was somehow okay for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of pipes when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade.

Those who have been to funerals when bagpipes play know how haunting and mournful the sound of the pipes can be.

Before too long, families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the piper to play for these fallen heroes.

The pipes add a special air and dignity to the solemn occasion.

Associated with cities such as Boston, new York, Philadelphia and Chicago, pipe bands representing both fire and police often have more than 60 uniformed members.

They are also traditionally known as emerald societies after Ireland-the emerald isle. Many bands wear traditional Scottish dress while others wear the simpler Irish uniform.

All members wear the kilt and tunic, whether it is a Scottish clan tartan or Irish single color kilt.

• Today, the tradition is universal and not just for the Irish or Scottish.
• The pipes and drums have come to be a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero's funeral.

Origin

GFD pipes and drums Is the result of the Grapevine fire Department’s honor Guard’s desire to enhance ceremonies for the grapevine fire Department.

The GFD honor guard is currently composed of 14 dedicated firefighters who devote their time and efforts on a volunteer basis.

The fire department has funded the group with top of the line uniforms and equipment so far and has sponsored the members on the many functions/duties that they have been called upon to perform.

Members of the honor guard considered the possibility of one or more of its members learning to play the bagpipes. A primary goal was to have piper/s at comrades' funerals.

The Learning Curve

One of the honor guard members had started taking bagpipe lessons in 1999.

The first official performance was at a promotion ceremony in January of 2006.

GFD pipes and drums is now a key element of the grapevine fire department honor guard.

Enter the Drums
Since that time, interest grew and drummers were needed to complete the group.

Three firefighters came forward to learn pipe and drum style drumming.
A Band Is Born
With the aid of a donated bass drum and snare, they began rehearsing with the piper and a group was formed.

Our Colors

The GFD honor guard adopted a Scottish tartan to represent the band

The colors represent our mission:
– Red for sacrifice
– White for integrity
– Purple for honor
– Green represents our heritage
– While the blue and gold signify courage and valor

Next Steps
Keeping with tradition the rest of our uniform was designed.
Area departments such as Denton FD and the Lewisville FD chose the traditional full military dress uniform, similar to that of FDNY.

Military Dress

Traditional dress for pipers and drummers includes:
– Kilt
– Doublet/tunic (dress uniform jacket)
– Headgear – Glengarry or feather bonnet
_Pipers plaid (to be added in the near future)

Dress
Including:
– Horsehair sporran
– Crossbelt
– Piper’s/
Drummer’s plaid (tartan fabric that drapes over the shoulder)
– Hose (socks)
– Spats
– Hose flashes …


Instructors

The band has several highly experienced instructors available to them:

Pipe major Don Shannon of the north Texas Caledonian pipes and drums And Mr. Sandy Laverock – also from the NTCPD. In addition, other area drummers / instructors have offered their expertise.

Don Shannon is currently teaching piping to one of our firefighters.  Another firefighter is using Virginia Smith.  Both students are paying for their own lessons.

Don's website

www.scottishpiper.com

Virginia's website

www.pipertoo.com

Goals

We are not and do not intend to be a competition band
Our goal is to represent the grapevine fire department and the city of grapevine 

 We are available to the fire department and the city for:
– Funerals – for firefighters and city officials/employees.
– Parades – Grapefest, main street days, parade of lights, etc.
– Ceremonies – promotions, retirements, city events.
– Other area fire departments’ needs.
– As representatives of the city and fire department within and outside of the state of Texas (IAFF fallen FF’s memorial, etc.).