Sacramento Fire Department Pipes and Drums

The ongoing tradition of the bagpipes and drums can be performed by our Fire Department Band at any Sacramento Fire Department event.

  Area:
  Location: United States   California
  http://www.sfdpipesanddrums.com
  916-216-0272

OUR HISTORY On October 11, 2003 Firefighter Mark Swink and Apparatus Operator Tom Rogers played the bagpipes at the Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial march. Several Chief officers were so moved, they asked Mark and Tom what it would take to create a Sacramento Fire Department band. After several meetings, Fire Chief Dennis Smith gave birth to the Sacramento Fire Department Pipes & Drums band. The band holds practice once a week and members are allowed to attend on duty. In addition to the Chiefs blessing, the SFD Chief Officers Association has purchased the band's bass drum. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE The purpose & objective of the band is to represent and honor our Fire Department while embracing the tradition and heritage of the fire service. The ongoing tradition of the bagpipes and drums can be performed by our Fire Department Band at any Sacramento Fire Department event. These events may include memorials, graduation ceremonies, promotional ceremonies, holiday events, fundraiser, union activities, retirements, public performances, and funerals in the event of an on line death. RECRUITMENT We received an overwhelming response from the members of the Sacramento City Fire Department. 11 individuals have expressed an interest to learn either the bagpipes or the drums and join the Sacramento Fire Department Pipes and Drums Band. Currently the band consists of 11 pipers, in which one is a Battalion Chief and five drummers. BENEFITS As forming a Pipe and Drum Band would continue to tie us with our history and tradition, this would benefit our department in various ways. The option of becoming a source of revenue for future band needs would be second to the benefits of public relations and ties with the community and general public. A boost of morale and pride can be expected by our department members that understand the meaning of having a Pipe and Drum Band.