In August 2003 two police officers sat down and discussed forming a pipe and drum band stating that the band’s motto would be “To Honor the Fallen”. Since that night, the Newport News Police Pipes and Drums have grown to be a nationally recognized band.
The band has become a community based organization with members coming from all walks of life. There is active duty and retired police officers, firefighters, military, private citizens, and students. Members are to attend practice and commit to making performances when needed. The band does not charge for bagpipe and drum lessons. Members are awarded scholarships to attend schools taught by world champions of the craft.
In the early years members bought and paid for their uniforms and instruments. Fundraisers were held frequently to help offset the costs. Fundraisers included bake sales, yard sales and several Celtic infused ceilidhs (Gaelic for parties). Our first bass drummer, Steve Dailey, actually learned his craft on a cardboard box!
The Newport News Police Pipes and Drums are registered with the Internal Revue Service as a 501c3 charitable organization and registered with the Virginia State Corporation Board. The band is registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs.
Every spring the band makes the pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to participate in ceremonies honoring fallen heroes at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial located at Judiciary Square. The band is honored to participate in the Concerns of Police Survivors Candle Light Vigil. The band marches in the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Society’s Memorial March and performs on the steps of the nation’s capitol during the Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service. The President of the United States is often the keynote speaker. These three days in May are the largest expense for the band, costing approximately $10,000.
The Newport News Police Pipes & Drums are fortunate to have entered into a sponsorship with The Newport News Police Foundation. The band averages 24 performances each year supporting Police, Fire, Military, and the community, with our primary focus always being, "To Honor the Fallen".
The Newport News Police Pipes and Drums is an IRS 501 (c)(3) charitable organization
