This week finds us in Dallas Texas, where I spoke with Allen Richards on the phone for a little while and then by e-mail. I was seriously blown away when I heard how the City of Dallas and the Dallas Fire Union has supported this band and I think you will be shocked as well. Nicely done Dallas Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums and a huge thumbs up to the City of Dallas and the Dallas Firefighters Union.
Band Website: www.dallasfirepandd.com
Your name and position?
FF/Paramedic Allen J. Richards. Drum Sergeant with DFR Pipes and Drums
How many years have you been with the band?
A little over 2 years.
How many years have you been playing?
I have been playing drums on and off for 12 years, but 3 Scottish Drumming.
What made you want to start playing the drums in a Pipe and Drum band?
I wanted to play in a band as a drummer, but couldn’t find the right mix of personalities. Being a part of DFR Pipes and Drums gives me the opportunity to be around like-minded folks.
When was the band established?
There have 2 pipers in the FD for 15 years. We officially became Dallas Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums in July 2006.
Was there a specific event that led to the forming of the band?
The Dallas Firefighter Association Local 58 asked the current Pipe Major Blair Currey if she would form a band. She put an ad in our Union Newspaper and we came a runnin...LOL
Where you one of the founding members?
I am a founding member of the 2006 Dallas Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums.
Who were the founding members?
Fire Captain Blair Currey and Fire Captain (ret) Mike Bardwell are the original members.
Can you give us some insight as to some of the planning you guys went through when you started?
I wouldn’t say we had "planning" on this adventure. We had a vision. The Pipers and Drummers all share the vision of Honoring the Fallen Firefighters each time we are called. I made an appointment to see some members of Dallas City Council and the City Manager. I pitched the idea of having them give us 15K for new uniforms and they agreed. We had a new logo, t-shirts, patches and some other items that people could actually identify with. I guess the "plan" would have to be getting the public and members of the department to recognize us as a group.
How many people are in the band?
We now have 15 pipers and 7 drummers.
How many would you like to see in the band?
Our goal is to have 40 pipers and 10 drummers in 5 years.
How was the interest when you guys were first starting out?
The interest was there, but the commitment wasn’t. Some of the firefighters didn’t realize how much practice was involved and how significant the cost was.
Was it hard to sell a Pipe and Drum band in Texas?
I don’t think it was hard. Firefighters here just needed to be reminded that tradition doesn’t have to give way to total progress. We keep that alive by wearing traditional kilts with our department dress shirts.
How did you get the word out that a band was forming?
Advertising in the Union newspaper, face to face meetings, Parades in Downtown Dallas and working with other North Texas FD Pipes and Drums.
Did you have a certain goal in mind when the band formed?
To increase membership, be and sound professional and be ambassadors for the Department and the City.
Skip to today have you guys accomplished that goal?
We will know on March 15th. It is our first parade as a full unit with new uniforms. Waiting to see the reaction.
What’s left or what else do you guys want to accomplish?
There are short term goals like learning the music, working together and long term goals such as major events we would like to play.
Are there any stipulations for people that want to join the band?
If you want to be a piper, you have to purchase a chanter and a lesson book. Then when you can play 3 songs, we request funds from our Union members to purchase a set of pipes. If you are a drummer, you have to buy sticks and a practice pad. Work with the Drum Sergeant or take lessons on your own. When you reach a level of proficiency, equipment is purchased.
Are you guys strictly Dallas Fire Fighters or do you allow others in the band?
All members are Active or Retired Dallas Fire Fighters.
When you were starting out did you guys offer lessons?
Yes. Mike Bardwell is still teaching along with Blair. Drummers attend clinics put on by Stephen Cameron out of Georgetown, Texas. He is a top Scottish drummer in the country.
Piper Mike Bardwell leading funeral procession
Do you offer lessons now?
It is always a lesson every time we get together.
How long did it take from the forming of the band until you guys played your first performance as a band?
Almost 2 years.
What was your first public appearance?
It is coming up in a couple weeks. St Patrick's Day Parade 2008.
Was there a defining moment for the band one that still sticks in your mind?
The defining moment to date would have to be getting the money for the uniforms. Our City Manager is a hard nut to crack when it comes to money. Asking for it was the hardest thing I have ever done as a city employee. Selling it was the easy part.
You guys attend the IAFF Fallen Firefighters in Colorado, how would you explain it to people who have never been?
If you go once, you will go every year. It is a wonderful event and the IAFF does a fantastic job honoring the fallen firefighters as well as taking care of the families. The pipers and drummers all enjoy the company of other P&D groups from around the country.
Is there a must play event every year for your band?
I would have to say the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Is there an event you guys have not yet played but want to?
We would like to be considered for the opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Super Bowl at the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium.
Where and how often do you guys practice?
We practice at stations, the training academy, each others houses and we like to get together as often as schedules allow.
How many events do you guys play a year as a band?
This year we are scheduled for 9 major events (parades, memorials, etc) I am sure once we make a grand entrance, our commitments will increase.
Do you guys have a favorite local event you like to play?
I am figuring that this St Patty's Day parade and party will become a favorite with our kilt wearers.
Are you guys involved in any charities as a band?
Not right now, but we plan to be a perennial part of the Scottish Rite Hospital playing for children with illness.
How do you guys raise money as a band?
This aspect is in the infancy stages right now. We are still putting our feelers out.
You guys enjoy some outstanding financial support from both the City and the Union can you fill us in on that?
The Local 58 Union to date purchased over 16K worth of Pipes and Drums for us to use. The City of Dallas fronted the initial 15K for the uniforms.
You have an interesting Band Uniform Contract can you tell us about that?
Since our uniforms are purchased by the City and managed by the Department Property Room, each member must stay for at least 5 years or they have to reimburse the Department for the cost of the uniform. Chief Rob Stumpf is our supplier of all the peripheral gear for uniforms. He is the owner of FirePiperSupply and also a piper for Bloomington FD. He saved us 1500 dollars in our budget when we bought our gear from him.
How did you convince the City to give you that much money?
I met with 3 supportive members of City Council who in turn talk to the City Manager to release the funds. Enthusiasm and level of commitment were the two things I think convinced them this was a good cause. They are both involved in tradition and believed we should have that in the Fire Department.
Were there any stipulations by the City for giving the band the money?
Just that we became aware the Department owned the uniforms..LOL..
Is there a band out there you guys love to play and hang with?
We like to get together and play with other Fire Departments that have Pipers and Drummers.
What tartan do you guys wear and why did you choose it?
We wear the Clark Modern Tartan in honor of our departments first LODD John Clark. The three colors on the tartan are blue, white and black. Blue for the Firefighters, White for the Chief Officers and Black for the Fallen Firefighters.
Have you guys played any LODD funerals where a Dallas Fire fighter was involved?
To date, we have only been involved in 2 Active Duty deaths not in the Line of Duty.
Do you have any advice for a band that has not yet played a LODD funeral?
I try to impress upon new members that the parades are nice to do, but what we really are here for is to Honor those who gave their lives in the Line of Duty. I have been told by family members that the thing they will remember most is the Pipes and Drums honoring their loved one. We have a solemn task, but it gives closure to those left behind.
