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August 7
Save the Day- August 7th
We have something for nearly everyone. We have been graciously requested to perform at the Stanwood - Camano Island Fair, Saturday August 7th at 3:00 PM. That will be on, and around the "Viking" main stage. Stanwood's Fair is about as good as it gets, with the small American Town feel but knee deep in activities, music and outrageous Fair Food. For more details look at, http://stanwoodcamanofair.org/
Next on our Stanwood Saturday Agenda calls for all area Fire Enthusiasts and FOOLS Members to meet us at the Leatherheads Pub and Eatery, located near City Hall and the Stanwood Hotel for our "Captains 58" Project with our two East / West Coast Guests, Captain Steve Lanergan of FDNY Engine 58"Busiest in the City"and Captain Craig Campbell from Orange County, CA Engine 58 for an informal, open forum discussion about the Fire Service from coast to coast. These two representatives Love their Jobs and you will find their Passion just as infectious as we did on our March Trip to Orange County, California. If there is any room left in your Belly after the Fair, Leatherhead's Menu is delicious, voted best local Food by the area media outlets. http://www.leatherheadspub.com/
August 21
Pig & Pipes Tickets are ready for purchase!!
Our Annual Event at The Old Pequliar, in Ballard, is set and ready. On Saturday, August 21st, this delicious Pig Roast will help fund our Full Band Deployment to Colorado Springs. This year we are Honoring Chief Dave Jacobs as he is placed on "The Wall", with his huge Family attending, at the 2010 IAFF Fire Fighter Memorial three weeks later.
The Old Pequliar is a great venue for the Band to play as attendees fill their bellies with succulant, slow roasted pork.
To score your tickets, contact a Band Member and pay the reduced Advance Price of $20, or show up at the Door for $25. For those writing checks, please make them out to"The Old Pequliar".
We hope to see you at this fun, important and delicious event!
4/20/10
Come, this Friday, to City Hall's Bertha Landes Room for the Annual SFD Awards Ceremony. We are very proud of our two band leaders that now make it a "two fer". Last year's Firefighter of the Year, our own Pipe Major Spencer Nelson immediately followed by Captain Smokey, garnering this year's Officer of the Year title. Smokey's work ethic, team leadership skills and endless sense of humor is the model to guide aspiring Officers. You two Band Brothers make us very proud.
4/4/10
Donor Support
We hope you have enjoyed a performance by our Band. The Seattle Firefighter's Pipes and Drums Band was created in 2004 for the task of musically honoring the Fallen with a rich tradition that transcends many cultures. Our Members take great pride in delivering a high quality service for a lifetime of memories, while typically incurring most costs on their own. As a private, not for profit organization, we receive no direct monetary support from any government. If your Corporation or Foundation would be interested in supporting our mission, please contact us. Please take the opportunity to donate to the SFP&D Band.
Send your Donations to:
Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums
PO Box 84643
Seattle, WA 98124
Our Band Challenge Coins are back from the mint. The "Duke's" passion for such a handsome disc is apparent in this creation. Slap those Saloon table tops with this hefty piece by contacting any Band Member and a $15 USD donation .
4/3/10
We are getting lots of requests for the New St Patty shirts that were posted here. Hopefully, that new order will arrive soon., but be very aware that we still have a number of our Five Year Anniversary Tees in the store. These Bold and Gold shirts will not be reordered as this Anniversary draws to a close. Seek out your favorite Band Mate via email, snail mail, Facebook, in person or Contact page to get a great shirt for a modest donation. Your donations will keep us playing to the Ten Year Anniversary and beyond. Thank You
3/26/10
The SFP&D was privileged to participate in the LODD Memorial Service for Federal Way Police Officer, Brian Walsh at the Faith Christian Center. The Pierce County Firefighter's Pipes and Drums joined us in the musical tribute for the Father of three. His passing at the young age of 34 years reminds all Brothers and Sisters, throughout Public Safety, that heart disease remains one of our biggest enemies. In Honor of Brian, take full advantage of any medical screenings available to identify coronary disease, arrhythmia, hypertension or hyperlipidemia. Rest in Peace, Officer Walsh, we will never forget you.
3/17/10
This years group "Ted Larsen" Panorama photo shoot at Kerry Park, on Queen Anne hill, put the Band in the right mood before the Annual Pub Crawl. Even as rain showers dampened the wool uniforms, spirits remained bright before dashing off to play for St Pat's Revelers at over 12 Pubs throughout the Emerald City. Cheers to all that made this year's Crawl one of the best ever. From West Seattle, Magnolia, Ballard, Dowtown to the University District, the buses arrived on schedule bringing together thousands of Irish with Seattle Firefighter's Pipes and Drums.
3/14/10
SFP&D represents once again, leading our Brothers and Sisters down the Long Green Line of Seattle's 2010 St Patrick's Parade. We are very proud to have made Friends with some very prominent people from other lands. Leading off the Processional was most favored Irishman, Desmond Guinness. Not just because he's a direct descendent of Arthur's , founder of the popular health elixir, Guinness Beer, but more importantly his life's work to save ancient architecture of Ireland. He still sports the legendary looks for which he is famous.
Another Pipe and Drum band in this year's parade was Canada's Delta Police Pipe Band from British Columbia. These people are amazing entertainers besides being top notch musicians. They play, sing and dance all the while with a Traditional theme that is palpable. It is no wonder they have played at many International Venues reserved for the Best of the Best.
Finally, warm regards to the Region's Firefighters that joined us for the Parade. It is inspiring for the SFP&D to lead such a very important Group on such a great occasion. Cheers!!
3/14/10
A quick You Tube video of our Job on Saturday
3/8/10
Our Trip to Orange County, California for The 2010 OC Firefighter's St Patrick's Day Party was outstanding. We played various venues throughout Orange County with a highlighted performance at the Elk's Lodge in Santa Ana, Saturday evening. There, a wonderful, traditional feast of Corned Beef and Cabbage was devoured by the first 400 Party Responders. The House was packed as we played alongside our Brothers of the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes & Drums, Boston Area(Mass), Tualatin Valley (Oregon), Cleveland (Ohio), FDNY(New York), The OCFA Rock Band and The FENIANS.
Our appreciation, of the 4 day whirlwind tour, is enormous. The Memories will remain, of the amazing hospitality displayed until our sad departure. There were many gracious hosts that opened their homes, pocketbooks and schedules to make us feel like family, though we send a special shout out to the talented gentleman pictured above. He is OCFA Captain Craig Campbell of FS 58 that deserves special acknowledgement for his dedication to this project. He was energy in motion watching every detail to insure our comfort. Many thanks, Captain!
We Members of the SFP&D most certainly hope to "Be in Heaven a half hour before the devil knows we're Dead". We now know that if we look up to see that beautiful, smiling face of Kaydee Campbell, we are definitely at the right place!
3/01/10
A small Band "Strike Team" deployed for the West Region EMS Conference in Ocean Shores, WA for their 25th Anniversary. Conference participants received the latest info in EMS trends, with an emphasis on improving CPR skills. The anxieties of a possible tsunami arriving from the Chilean earthquake were quickly set aside saturday evening with Band Tunes, Beer Pong, Guitar Hero and tattoo applications. Thank you West Region EMS!!
2/23/10
Congrats Captain Smokey Simpson with 2010 SFD"Officer of the Year"
Your work ethic and dedication is acknowledged and makes us proud!
The Tenor Drum Corps never ceases to amaze.
2/10/10
Finally some good news! First off, congratulations to Pipe Sergeant Luke Schultz on his recent (non-band) promotion to fire Lieutenant! Way to go Luke and just weeks before his 30th birthday- total overachiever. When you see him be sure to salute, but use all your fingers!
Also, in just a few weeks, SFP&D travels down to Orange County CA to pre-celebrate St. Patrick's day with the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes & Drums Band. They are hosting our band as well members from Cleveland, New York, and Boston bands for a 4 day party in the sand and sun! Hopefully it'll stop raining down there by then.
And finally, Portland Police Highland Guard, whom we became good friends with at the last several funerals, has invited us to march in the Starlight Parade this summer. It's one of the biggest (if not the biggest) parades in the Northwest with over 250,000 spectators. It's an honor to have been invited and we look forward to making it! See, I told you we had good news!
1/5/10
It's hard to believe, but Officer Kent Mundell was the 6th police officer murdered in 2 months in the Puget Sound region. SFP&D had the distinct honor of playing the procession for Officer Mundell funeral with the Portland Police Highland Guard. The inside part of the service was done by civilian band Tacoma Scots, and civil service bands Pierce County Firefighters Pipes & Drums, Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes & Drums, Spokane Valley Firefighters Pipes & Drums, and Vancouver (Wa) Firefighters Pipes and Drums. It was really nice to all come together yet again to honor the fallen and it was Seattle's honor to play with these other groups. Let's hope we don't have any more funerals for a long time.....
Portland Police Highland Guard and Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums play Officer Mundell's procession:
12/8/09
Mass Bands comprised of Pierce County Fire, Seattle Fire and Portland Fire at the Lakewood Memorial.
Amazing Grace played by mass bands at the Lakewood Memorial.
12/3/09
Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums had the unfortunate but distinct honor of laying another brother to rest. Battalion Chief Dave Jacobs passed away November 8th, at age 58, of presumptive cancer he attained while performing fire suppression activities at over 650 working fires while in the line of duty. Chief Jacobs leaves behind a wife, 13 children and 17 grandchildren. Dave Jacobs will be remembered for his warm smile, respect given and earned, and a great sense of humor. During his career he was President of the Chiefs Association and was awarded the Chief of the Year for 2003. Chief Jacobs also suffered a heart attack while commanding a house fire 2004 but was revived by crews and medics on scene to return to active duty. A fallen hero that is gone but will never be forgotten.
12/2/09
Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums will be participating in a mass band event to honor the 4 fallen Lakewood police officers. It will be December 8th at 1300hrs at the Tacoma dome in Tacoma, Washington. The officer being honored are
Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39, Officers Ronald Owens, 37, Tina Griswold, 40, and Greg Richards, 42.
11/6/09
Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums had the distinct honor and privilege to play the memorial service for Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton at the Key Arena in Seattle. Officer Brenton was shot and killed while on duty on Halloween night. His partner was grazed in the neck but survived and returned fire. Officer Brenton is survived by his wife and 2 young children ages 8 and 11. Seattle lost a hero that tragic night.
9/24/09
Alaska Day is coming!!! SFPD will be traveling up to Sitka, Ak for the 5th year in a row to help Sitka celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood. For the past five years the town has flown a group of band members up to Sitka to help them celebrate Alaska Days. We're very fortunate and honored to be attending this year, the 50th anniversary, and look forward to seeing our Alaskan friends soon!.
9/23/09
SFPD returns from another successful trip to Colorado Springs for the annual IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. There were over 150 pipers and well over 100 drummers making it one of the largest mass bands in North America. Seattle sent 18 pipers and drummers this year and put Chief Gary Moberg on the wall this year. See the 'street set', post ceremony on the streets of the Springs in the video below. Click here
6/25/09
Since last posting the SFPD's been busy! We helped a 50 year firefighter celebrate his retirement, opened a 'new' fire station 31, played a local rugby match, performed at and honored some band members at SFD's Awards Night, played the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers annual memorial, christened a 'firefighters room' at a pub, opened the Washington State Council of Firefighters convention in Wenatchee, and even sent some guys to play with KZOK's "Spike and the Impalers" at the Emerald Queen. And it's looking like the summer is going to be be just as, if not more, busy. The big event to plan for is the 2nd annual Pig & Pipes fundraiser this August 22 at the Old Pequilar Pub in Ballard. Come out and support the Seattle's Bravest Charity and also help the band go to Colorado Springs to honor the fallen at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Tickets are $20, and include all the pig you can eat, with all proceeds going to the Bravest and the band. So put it on your calendar and come support two great causes! Hope to see you there!!
3/26/09
MORE COWBELL!!! St Patrick's Day was a huge success. We divided into 2 bands of 12 and made 10 stops each! It was a long day but St. Patrick's day is always a blast and the crowds are always the most fun of the year. Thanks to all who were out and took good care of us. See you next year. Thanks also to our 'bodyguards' Chris Sullivan of Ladder 10, and Russ Cramer of Ladder 12...both future band members!
The St Patrick's Day parade also went great. We marched with 23 kilted SFPD members and a good sized group of firefighters from all over the state dressed in their class A's. It was our first year having firefighters march with us and will be a tradition we continue. SFD Engine 6 followed closely behind.
9/09
SFPD had the distinct honor of playing for Skagit County Sheriff Deputy Anne Jackson today. Deputy Jackson was gunned down last week in the Line of Duty along with 5 other people in a tragic act of violence. The memorial was held at Burlington High School and was attended by an estimated 5000 people.
8/15
Pig & Pipes!!!! The SFPD is sending a large group of pipers and drummers to Colorado Springs this year to participate in the annual IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Seattle will be putting James Scragg and Tim Heelan on the wall this year, both died from job related cancer this past year. We are having a fundraiser to raise money to offset plane and lodging expenses for the band.
8/7
For the second time this week, the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums were honored to play for a fallen brother. East Pierce County Fire Chief was killed while scouting a wildfire on July 26th, 2008. Chief Packer deployed his emergency shelter but succumbed to smoke and heat. Chief Packer is survived by his wife, 4 daughters and 2 grandchildren.
8/7
The Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums had the sad honor of playing 18 year old Andrew (Andy) Palmer's, of Port Townsend, memorial service on Monday. Andy was assigned to an engine crew at the Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Wa. He was killed on his first wildland fire deployment in California on July 25, 2008. Friends and family emphasized Andy's kindness and have set up an Andy Palmer Kindness Scholarship for future students who represent the kindness that Andy displayed in his short life.
Donations may be sent to the Foundation at 538 Calhoun Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
6/18
The Seattle Fire Department mourns with firefighter Mike Washington, E27, who lost his 20 year old
son, Sgt. Michael T. Washington, Second Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, United States Marine Corps on Saturday the 14th. Sgt. Washington was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the day before Father's Day, with 4 other Marines while returning from a mission. Please read more about Sgt. Washington here and here. Services will be held June 27th at Northwest Church in Federal Way at 1000 hrs. Sgt. Washington will be buried in Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
6/13
SFP&D was honored to play Kent Firefighter Marty Hauer's LODD funeral on Tuesday. Marty was 41 and succumbed to job related cancer. He was a husband, father of 2, IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer and fireman. Rest in peace, Marty.
2/8
Members pictured at Scragg funeral: Back row: Fredrickson, Voigts, Larson, Weiler, Hartill, Place, Simpson, Burkhardt, Cameron, Lynch. Front row: Stroyan, E Nelson, S Nelson, Schultz, Zapf, Davis, Almond.
2/2
Seattle fireman Tim Heelan, E38 C shift, passed away January 30th surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. SFP&D will lay our brother to rest on Tuesday, February 5th in Olympia. Tim was 43 years old.
1/21
Battalion Chief James Scragg passed away peacefully on the 17th at the age of 54, surrounded by friends and family. Chief Scragg bravely battled line of duty lung cancer for 2 years before going home. He almost lost his life at the Pang Fire in '95 where 4 Seattle firemen died. Read more about this great man here in today's Seattle times article. A celebration of Chief Scragg's life is planned for February 8th at the Naval Reserve Hall on Lake Union in Seattle.
12/10
SFPD plays funeral services for Seattle Firefighter, Joe Bly, L6 B Shift, who died in a tragic car accident off duty.
12/10
Liz Jackson at Hero To Hero has just launched their new web site! If you don't know what Hero To Hero is, it's a non-profit organization, ran tireless by Liz, that travels around the US and Canada collecting t shirts off the backs of police and firefighters to send to our troops in Iraq. Liz never rests and her hard work pays off boosting out troops morale. The SFPD will be playing the 'pack out' (shipping the shirts to Iraq) party March 8th. Details to be announced. Check out her new and improved site here: http://www.herotohero.us
