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Lewisville Pipes & Drums was established in 2005 because of the encouragement from our Fire Chief and the support of our Mayor, City Council, 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 9 members, all of which are full time employees of the Lewisville Fire Department. Pipers are Gary Apple, Todd Carruthers, and Conrado Martinez. Bass drum is Dustin Bortzfield. Snare drums are Chris Lawler and Brandon Thetford. And our Tenor drummers are Mark Murphree and Jeremy Jones. We operate under the direction of Pipe Major Damion Roberts. 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 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. |
