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Lewisville Pipes & Drums was established in 2005 because of the support of our Mayor, City Council, Fire Chief, and especially our City Managers. These City Managers agreed to allow the program to move forward without hearing a single note. Realizing what a huge responsibility we were given, and as a way of saying thanks to these leaders, each member has worked very hard to become the best pipe and drum musician possible.
We are all very greatful for the opportunity they have given us to represent our Fire Department and our city.
The group is comprised of seven members, all of which are full time employees of the Lewisville Fire Department. Pipers are Gary Apple and Todd Carruthers. Bass drum is Conrado Martinez. Snare drums are Chris Lawler, Scott Thompson and Terry McGrath. We operate under the direction of Pipe Major Damion Roberts. We currently have new members taking lessons and hope to expand our numbers in the very near future. The pipers started by taking lessons from Don Shannon, Pipe Major for the North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums. Don has over 37 years experience playing the bagpipes. The drummers all have a drumming background and have used this experience to develop the drum music for our songs. The Pipes & Drums have been a long standing tradition in the fire service. The tradition of bagpipes in the fire department goes back over 150 years. Pipers played at firefighter funerals because firefighters and police officers were the only jobs the Irish could get in the United States. Soon families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began requesting pipers to play for these fallen heroes. We are proud to be members of the Pipes & Drums because of the honor it brings to our department. We have performed at numerous functions which include parades, banquets, luncheons, fire department retirement ceremonies, city council meetings, memorials and funerals. The tartan adopted by the LFD Pipes & Drums and worn in the Kilt represents the Irish County of Offaly. This was chosen in honor of Captain James “Butch” Flanagan who retired from LFD in 2005 with 34 years of service. The O’Flanagan clan hails from the county of Offaly (originally named Kings County) in Leinster, Ireland. Its colors are Green, Blue, Black, Red and a stripe of Gold. |
