Pipers And Drummers Receive Connecticut Treasures Award

By Andrew Gorosko

The reedy drone of bagpipes punctuated by thunderously beaten drums greeted the Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums’ receipt of the Connecticut Treasures award from Lieutenant Governor Jodi Rell on Tuesday evening in the Newtown Hook and Ladder Firehouse.

As the unit performed at ear-splitting levels in the cavernous firehouse, Pipe Major John MacNicholl and Drum Major Francis McDonald ensured that the group kept to the melody and beat of its performance.

Bedecked in vivid black-and-red plaid highlander garb, the pipers and drummers from across the state received the award, which recognizes group volunteers who have worked for the betterment of their communities. The non-profit fraternal organization, most of whose members are firefighters from western Connecticut, practices regularly at the firehouse. The organization marches in Newtown’s annual Labor Day parade.

“The Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums organization has touched the lives of thousands of people in Connecticut and elsewhere. As a ceremonial band, they have played at funerals and memorials for firefighters and at other events related to the fire service,” Lt Gov Rell said in a statement.

Lt Gov Rell started the Connecticut Treasures award program.

The bagpipe group was founded in November 1992, following a Waterbury firefighting accident in which two firemen were killed.

Besides performing in Connecticut, the group has performed in New York City and Boston. It also performed at a memorial service for six Worcester, Mass., firefighters who died in a December 1999 warehouse fire.

“The Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums has reached out into the community to touch the lives of those affected by the death of a firefighter. The members are keeping a tradition alive and have made a lasting impression on those who have heard their music. The members of the Connecticut firefighters Pipes and Drums are true Connecticut Treasures,” Lt Gov Rell said.