Seattle, Washington – The newly formed Seattle Police Pipes and Drums band created in January 2011, held a fundraiser on September 12, 2012, at Carter Subaru in Seattle. It was a chance for some of us whom haven’t been able to attend their performances, a rare opportunity to hear them. For being a new pipes and drums band being together since January 2011, they sounded pretty good. However, they only played one full set while we were there. We were beckoned to hear more…. We will be there at their future performances becoming one of their newest fans!
The 501(c)(3) non-profit Seattle Police Pipes and Drums was formed by Executive Board President and Founder, Ryan Gallagher. The stellar performance and presentation by the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums at Fallen Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton’s memorial service in 2009, and with their connection to the family inspired them to think how they could do this for their own LE family. After months of research and consulting with the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums and with the Boston Police Department pipe bands, a plan was put into action with a call out to all Officers. They received over 70 answers to the call.
Their mission statement is simple: “The Seattle Police Pipes and Drums will honor the memory of those in law enforcement who have gone before us especially those who have given their lives upholding the law. The Seattle Police Pipes and Drums will be dedicated to strengthening and maintaining a positive relationship with the Citizens of Seattle through performance and community outreach and will be dedicated to answering any call to perform by the Seattle Police Department.”
The organization consists of approximately 25-60 members whom are Patrol Officers and Detectives representing all precincts within the City of Seattle.
The organization structure is made up of the following: Executive Board President & Founder, Ryan Gallagher; Vice-President, Jim Kelly; Secretary-Treasurer, Karla Cockbain; Chairman of the Board, John Heneghan; Board of Directors, Dave Sweeney and Scotty Bach; Drum Major / IT, Sharon Heath; Member Development, Rich Pruitt and Ryan Bailey; Pipe Major, Joe Cepeda; Drum Liason, MikeSolan; Bagpipe Liasons, Steve Nadell and Tony Ferragamo; Instructors – Bagpiper Instructor, Neil Hubbard; Mid-Section Instructor, Marcie MacRae; Snare Drum, Scott Parker.
The band’s official first practice was on February 24, 2011. Pipes and Drums are common in Boston and New York, but there were none in the West until the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums created one, being the first. Practice is one day per week with Professional Piper, Neil Hubbard and Professional Drummer, Scott Parker. It can take up to a one-year process to become a Piper or Drummer. Their commitment and dedication to this band is amazingly strong.
They recently marched in the 2012 St. Patty’s Parade here in Seattle and are hoping to march as a complete pipes and drums band next year.
Thank you to the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums for what you are doing to preserve Police Pipes and Drum bands in the West and your continued commitment and service to the Community. We also appreciate your dedication to Law Enforcement and what you do every day to protect each and every one of us.
More information can be found on their website at: www.seattlepolicepipesanddrums.com/.
Additional photographs of this organization can be found on our flickr site at www.flickr.com/nwfireblog.
Sources: Seattle Police Pipes & Drums, Photography by Eric Swenson and media news stories.
(c) 2012 The NW Fire Blog
NW Fire Blog 
Comments are closed.