At our 35th Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day parade, John Bidegeneta was promoted to Drum Sergeant. This is a well deserved promotion as he is the drumming instructor and is always there for the band and its mission. Please join me in congratulating John on this promotion.
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New Board Members Elected
On February 6, 2019 we had our annual meeting, which was delayed a week due to snow, and elected new board members. Our new board members are:
- President – Mike Lacey
- Vice President – Matt Lopez
- Treasurer – Tom Clappi
- Secretary – Jim Kraftchak
- Member-at-Large – Jim Ryan
Congratulations one and all!
Band Fundraiser
As an all volunteer organization we count on YOU to keep the band going!! So come on out and support the band at our Annual Fundraiser and at the same time you can raise a glass and help us celebrate 35 years on the street!!! There will be all your favorites – Raffle Prizes, Silent Auction, 50/50, Band Merchandise including limited availability 35th Anniv Band Swag!! Oh and of course there will be band performances!! Bring the whole family as Patriot’s Pub & Grill has graciously offered their new location to us for this event!!
2018 Nation Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
As part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, MD, the band joined other bands from around the nation to honor 103 fire heroes. 80 of those died in the line of duty during 2017 and 23 died in previous years but had not yet been added to the memorial. To see both the candlelight vigil and the actual memorial videos with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums, which we are part of, you can click here. On the memorial weekend video, the video doesn’t start until 6:40 into the video for some reason so please be patient.
The band also had a few honors as Steve Cochran, our former Pipe Major, was honored by being made the Pipe Major Emeritus of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums and John Bidegeneta was named as Drum Sergeant of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.
Band Performs at Fairfax Fire and Rescue Retirement Picnic
The band performed again at the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Retirement Picnic held his year at Dunn Loring Station 13. This picnic is held each year to honor those who have retired from the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and also honor those retirees who have died in the last year. It is an honor to meet many of the “old timers” including those that have been retired for quite some time.
This is the band with 4 of the oldest retirees. From left to right they are:
Jimmy Woodard, Badge# 28, Hired in 1955,
Gene Gray, Hired in 1960,
James Myers, Badge# 31, Hired in 1955 and,
Vincent Guidi, Badge# 8, Hired in 1949
Fundraiser in Memory of John McNeece
John McNeece was a founding member of one of our brother bands, the Baltimore Fire Brigade Pipe Band. Please come out and support this worthy cause. Information on the event is contained below.
Ed Snyder Made Legacy Pipe Sergeant
Ed Snyder is one of the band’s original founding members and is responsible for the design of our uniform that we wear to this day. To say that Ed has made an impact on our band is an understatement. To honor his commitment to the band and all the good works he has done on behalf of the band, he has been made a Legacy Pipe Sergeant for life. Congratulations Ed on this great achievement!
Matt Lopez Promoted
Congratulations to Matt Lopez for being promoted to Pipe Sergeant! Matt was a Pipe Corporal and this is another well deserved promotion!
Tom Clappi Promoted
Congratulations to our newest Pipe Sergeant, Tom Clappi! Tom was a Pipe Corporal and is the band’s Treasurer. This is a well deserved promotion!