News & Events

The members of the FDNY Pipes and Drums enjoyed the sunny weather and southern hospitality on Friday March 14th as we marched in the annual St. Patrick's day parade in Savannah, Georgia. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the members of the band as Savannah holds their parade on the 17th as well as NYC. Due to Holy Week and Easter being moved up this year the parades had two different dates, so we took advantage. The members were well received by the people of Savannah and despite multiple flight delays both ways due to weather and broken airplanes we still managed to have a great time. Pictures will be posted as soon as they become available!!

If you or your corporation would like to make a donation to New York City's premier Fire Department bagpipe band, we invite you to please click-on the above Donate button or on this link to the Donations page.

13 members of the FDNY Pipes and Drums along with members of the NYPD Pipes and Drums traveled to Avondale Louisiana to perform at the Christening of the new Navy Marine transport ship the USS New York. Part of the Bow was created using steel salvaged from the World Trade Center Site.

The bands played jointly during the ceremony. To see the video of the program click here if you want to see just the band performance, forward to 52:00 minutes.

After the ceremony, Chief Joe Buras and Operator (Truck Chauffeur) John Gallagher who are members of the New Orleans Fire Department took the band members out for a tour of the town. They arranged for the band to perform at an Irish pub called Finn McCools and they couldn't have been any nicer to us. Joe and John also set up for us to march down Bourbon street, which was an unforgettable experience. The members of the FDNY Pipe Band would especially like to thank these two fine gentlemen for their hospitality while we were in their city. A good time was had by all who attended this wonderful ceremony.

For more pictures of the christening, click here

The band would like to congratulate Tim and Tom on passing their grueling audition.

Tim is a Lieutenant covering in the 3rd Division in Manhattan. Tim has been playing the pipes for quite a few years and learned under the tutelage of former FDNY Pipes and Drums Pipe Major and Father Eddie Geraghty.

Tom is a Fireman in 55 truck in the South Bronx and has been studying under the tutelage of Pipe Instructor John Bradley. Tom started learning the pipes with the DCFD Pipe Band, but prior to playing with them, he was hired by the FDNY.

Again congratulations to these fella's we look forward to their participation in many, many, events!!

Tommy and Tim after their audition

Timmy and his Father Eddie

Some of the band members participated in the ski races this and for the first time in a few years actually fielded a team. Normally the Firemen wear their ski pants and boots while donning their turnout coat and helmet. The pipers and drummers decided to wear the coat and helmet, but instead of ski pants went with the traditional kilt. We hear it may have been a little cold when they took a spill. After the races, the band played at a plaque dedication ceremony back in the lodge. To see more pictures click here.

The 08 Ski Race team in action.

2nd Annual Stephen Siller Foundation Night
Saturday, February 16th, 2008
Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ 7pm

First 10,000 fans will receive a Rick DiPietro bobblehead courtesy of GEICO
Tickets start at just $20!

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the FDNY, Nassau, and Suffolk
County Burn Center Foundations

For tickets to this game call 1.800.882.ISLES EXT. 3 or email
customerservice@newyorkislanders.com for more information.'

Saturday, February 16th, 2008
Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ 7pm

First 10,000 fans will receive a Rick DiPietro bobblehead courtesy of GEICO
Tickets start at just $20!

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the FDNY, Nassau, and Suffolk
County Burn Center Foundations

For tickets to this game call 1.800.882.ISLES EXT. 3 or email
customerservice@newyorkislanders.com for more information.'

For more pictures of the parade, check out our Gallery.

*Photos by Butch Moran, and our web guy, Alex Synnott

Matt Beatty of Rescue 1 and Chris Brennan of Engine 58 both took their grueling piping auditions on January 29th. They both satisfied the panel of 5 judges with their technique and playing abilities. These 2 were part of a class that started 2 years ago for new pipers. They studied under the tutelage of former pipe sergeant Robert King. We would like to congratulate them on passing and welcome them into the pipe band! Below are pictures of them performing their auditions.

Matt BeattyChris Brennan

Hugh Duffy
The band would like to congratulate snare drummer Hugh Duffy who was recently promoted to Lieutenant. Hugh served as a fireman in Engine 68 and Ladder 49. He is currently at the rock taking classes for the newly promoted Lieutenants, once he completes this he will be re-assigned to the field. Again congratulations to Hugh and good luck with your new position!

On 08/18/07 Bagpiper Billy Murphy was hurt during a fire at Queens Box 1153 in the Far Rockaway Section. Billy who is a Fireman in Rescue 4 in Queens was ascending a portable ladder which got knocked out from under him. This caused him to fall roughly 20 feet. He shattered both ankles which required a few surgeries and resulted in casts on both ankles. Despite being confined to his bed for a while, he has made incredible strides in his recovery. Billy had an injury that should have had him down for much longer but he is already up and walking around.
Billy played his first gig back with the band since his injury to honor fallen Lieutenant John Martinson of E249. We would like to welcome Billy back and hope that his recovery is speedy. We are sure that the Brothers in Rescue 4 miss his calm demeanor at the kitchen table.
Billy is the guy on the left of our picture.