Houston Fire Department Pipes and Drums

HFD Pipes and Drums is the result of a group of Houston firefighters’ desire to enhance ceremonies for the Houston Fire Department. Members of the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard considered the possibility of its members learning to play the bagpipes. A primary goal was to have a piper at comrades’ funerals.

Three members of the Honor Guard (Roger Anderson, George McAteer and Terry Crawford) began taking lessons in 1994. The first member to perform at a firefighter’s funeral was George McAteer in February of 1995.

The group has since grown to a total of eleven members, eight pipers and three drummers. At present, performing members are active or retired Houston firefighters.

HFD Pipes and Drums perform at Cadet Graduations, Medals’ Day / Valour Awards Ceremonies, memorials, parades and other nonpolitical events in addition to funerals for Houston Firefighters.

Memorials which members of the group have attended include, The I.A.F.F. Fallen Firefighter Memorial (Colorado Springs, Colorado), The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial (Emmitsburg, Maryland) and The Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial (Austin, Texas).