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Our History

     The Burlington Firefighters Pipes and Drums was started in November of 2007 following the line-of-duty-death of Burlington fire fighter Wayne Topping. It was at his funeral that a small group of members from the Burlington Fire Department saw the need, and interest, in having a pipe and drum band of its own. Why a pipe and drum band? To quote Rick Lasky, Fire Chief of Lewisville Texas, it is about "Duty, Honour and Pride", it is about "honouring our brothers and sisters, our families both in the fire house and at home", "and the time to honour them is now, while they are here, while they can hear it." Enlisting the vast knowledge and experience of Captain and Pipe Major Jeff Swance, with assistance from Special Constable and Pipe Sergeant Jeff Redford, Acting Captain and Pipe Corporal Dan Everett and retired Captain and Drum Sergeant Gary Humes, a group of approximately 20 members began lessons in Great Highland piping and Highland drumming. None, but the instructors had any experience in piping or drumming. Some members had no musical experience at all.​

 

     The Burlington Firefighters Pipes and Drums equally represent the City of Burlington, Ontario and all its residents, the Burlington Fire Department and all its employees and the Burlington Professional Firefighters Association - IAFF Local 1552 and all its members with "Duty, Honour and Pride"

     Today the Burlington Firefighters Pipes and Drums consist mostly of current and retired members of the Burlington Fire Department, as well as members from other emergency services (police and EMS). The Band performs annually at the National and Provincial fallen fire fighter memorials and performs upon request and availability at departmental ceremonies, local events and festivals. Also, a piper can be provided for smaller occasions (weddings, funerals or special occasions).​

 

     To quote retired Fire Chief Bobby Halton, now Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering magazine, "The Pipes and Drums have been inspiring and directing me in battle for centuries, boosting moral among the rank and fire, the heroic bravery of individual pipers has been documented as far back a the 17th century." ​

 

     The Mission of the Burlington Firefighters Pipes and Drums is to encourage and support the playing of the Great Highland bagpipes and traditional pipe band drumming within the membership of the Burlington Fire Department and area emergency services, to reflect the values of, and to as ambassador on behalf of the City of Burlington, the Burlington Fire Department and the Burlington Professional Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 1552, to enhance formal department ceremonies including but not limited to recruit graduations, inaugurations and the annual Public Open House, and to provide, through the Band's music, emotional support and solace to the family and friends of fellow firefighters of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty

   

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