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Amarillo Firefighters Pipes and Drums

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Amarillo Firefighters Pipes and Drums

Amarillo Firefighters Pipes and Drums is a group of firefighters dedicated to providing HONOR, DEDICATION and TRADITION to Amarillo area first responders.

We are a group of dedicated members learning to play instruments that bring HONOR and TRADITION to the fire service we love so much. The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department and police department funerals in the United States goes back over one hundred fifty years. When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to this country, they brought many of their traditions with them. One of these was the Great Highland Bagpipe, often played at Celtic weddings, funerals and ceilis (dances). It wasn't until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the East Coast of the United States that the tradition of the bagpipes really took hold in the fire department. 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, dangerous, or both - 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 pipes were played. It was somehow okay for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of bagpipes when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade. Those who have attended a funeral where bagpipes were played know how haunting and mournful the sound of the pipes can be. The most famous song played at fire and police funerals is Amazing Grace. It wasn't too long before families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the bagpipes to be played for fallen heroes. The bagpipes add a special air and dignity to this solemn occasion. Bagpipe bands represent both fire and police often have more than 60 uniformed playing members. 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 become a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero's funeral.

06/30/2025

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a brush fire broke out on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze, unaware that it had been deliberately set as a trap. While working to contain the fire, the crews were ambushed by gunfire. Two firefighters, one from each department, were killed, and a third was critically injured. Authorities launched a large-scale response and placed the area under a temporary shelter-in-place order. The fire burned approximately 26 acres before being contained. The attack was condemned by local leaders as a targeted and senseless act of violence against first responders. The investigation remains ongoing.

03/08/2025

Friends, there is apparently someone pretending to be a representative of the Amarillo Firefighter Pipes and Drums. If anyone solicits you claiming they will send you merchandise, please do not respond!

If anyone responds to an old posting about merchandise, do not engage with them.

Thank you, AFFPD

11/25/2024

Proud to participate in the Pipes and Drums band at the Texas EMS Conference in Fort Worth this week.

07/12/2024

Always an honor to participate.

03/21/2024

03/12/2024

A few of our members were honored to have been a part of the memorial service for Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith. Rest easy sir.

We also want to thank members of Lubbock Fire Department and Odessa Fire Department for helping us be part of sending Chief Smith off with full honors.

01/10/2024

Our very own Drum Sergeant retired! We wish you the best and thank you for your service.

Please help us congratulate Battalion Chief Phillip Thomas on his retirement! Today is his last day, after dedicating 28 years to the Amarillo Fire Department.

Phillip began his career on August 3, 1995, spending most of his career at Central (18 years). He was a member of the Honor Guard, the Amarillo Firefighters Pipes and Drums, and the Tactical Medical Team. Chief Thomas spent a lot of time in the EMS program and was also the Pre-Emergency Manager before ending up as the Communications Chief for the last 6 years.

Good luck on your next chapter Chief Thomas!!!

12/07/2023

11/06/2023

Due to recent restructuring of the Fire Marshal's Office, we are now under the same umbrella within the City of Amarillo. Some of our firefighters have joined their ranks to fill the open spots. Please welcome our new FMO Team!

From L to R: Ryan Kyle, Jonathan Heath, Ross Shadbolt, Sheryl Chavez, Danna Eppison, Aaron Price, Mitch Armstrong, William Ray, and Jeff Harbin.

10/23/2023

Back home after an intense weekend! We played together for the first time on Thursday and competed on Saturday. It was easily one of the highlights of my career to perform with such an amazing group of fire service members. Core memory created! TNT PUBLIC SAFETY COMPETITION BAND

10/21/2023

Fun and successful morning. Full band competition this afternoon…stay tuned! TNT PUBLIC SAFETY COMPETITION BAND

10/19/2023

Myself and a few of our members were invited to participate in the TNT PUBLIC SAFETY COMPETITION BAND. We’re a civilian competition band made up of fire service members from across the country. Our first competition is Saturday in Stone Mountain Georgia.

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