Tucson Firefighters Local 479

Bagpipe Tradition At Fire Department Funerals

The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department and police department funerals in the United States originated over one hundred fifty years ago. 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 dances.

It wasn't until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the East Coast of the United States that the use of bagpipes was embraced as a fire service tradition. In the 1800's, Irish immigrants faced massive discrimination. 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 and dangerous, such as firefighters 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 bagpipes were played. It was somehow acceptable for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of bagpipes and uphold his dignity while grieving for a fallen comrade.

The mournful sounds of bagpipes add a special air and pride to a solemn occasion, and soon families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the pipers to play for these fallen heroes.

Associated with cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, pipe bands representing both fire and police often have several uniformed members playing. 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 bagpipes have come to be a distinguishing feature of our fallen heroes' funeral.

To contact the Tucson Fire Pipes & Drums, send email to pipesanddrums@tucsonfirefighters.com

To contact the Tucson Fire Honor Guard, send email to honorguard@tucsonfirefighters.com

Arizona Daily Star Story & Video
July 16, 2008



Tucson Fire Pipe & Drums
Uniform Requirements

Tucson Fire Pipes and Drums would like to acknowledge and give a "Special Thanks" to the following:

Tucson Firefighters Association - Local 479
Tucson Fire Department
Tucson Firefighters
Sundt Construction
Tucson Electric power
Sturgeon Electric Company
SAM's Tavern
Goodmans Interior Structures
Tierra Antigua Reality
R.E. Mechanical Contractors
Pierce Manufacturing
First In Incorporated
Hugh McCrystal
Mark McGee

Tax deductible donations are very much appreciated.
Please use this form.