Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes & Drums

The band is mourning the loss of two great men today. Captain Frank Milillo, a 31 year veteran of the PPD who was the Commander of the Southwest Detective Division, and Police Officer Tab Ali, a 25 year veteran assigned to the 5th District. Please keep their family in blood and blue in your thoughts and prayers.

Friends & Family, Out of an abundance of caution, the band is temporarily shut down from conducting practice and performing at ceremonies. We will still perform at funerals, as we can properly social distance. However, there is no guarantee that we can fill every request due to the safety of our members. We apologize if this caused any inconvenience. The band’s leadership will re-evaluate the status of the pandemic, and it’s impact on the safety of our members in the January timeframe. Please stay safe and healthy.

Even though there isn’t a Pipers Ball this year, some of our members got together anyway and enjoyed the day golfing.

Congrats to PPD’s Chris Daukaus on his 2nd win in the UFC!

Special thanks to Sharkey’s Grill & Ale House for hosting the band tonight as we celebrated the life of Pipe Major Emeritus John Lonergan. Sharkey’s ensured we had a safe environment and set up the room so we could practice social distancing while also eating their amazing food and sharing many great memories of our brother. On a side note, Sharkey’s wings & pizza are amazing!

Pipe Major Emeritus John Lonergan. U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, PA Parole Officer, Charter Member of the Band, and Pipe Instructor. #legendsneverdie

One year ago, the band lost John Lonergan, Pipe Major Emeritus. John was a Charter Member of the band, longtime former Pipe Major, U.S. Army Infantryman and Vietnam Combat Veteran who received the Purple Heart. In John’s early days when he returned home from Vietnam, he became a PA Parole Officer, raised a family, and became a Fishtown legend. John spent a great deal of his life dedicated to the CPL. Charles J. Glenn Vietnam Memorial in Fishtown. Eventually as time passed..., due to John’s war injury, he was no longer able to march with the band for long periods of time and he took on the roll as our pipe instructor. As our pipe instructor, every man or woman you see in our band’s musical abilities are a direct result of John’s tutelage. His legend lives on, and we will never forget what John has done for the Pipes and Drums, the City of Philadelphia’s fallen Police, Fire, & Military heroes & their families, and for our country. FAUGH A BALLAGH! CLEAR THE WAY FOR PIPE MAJOR JOHN LONERGAN!

More pics from the NFFF

Some pictures from this weekend’s National Fallen Firefighters Foundation memorial.

Camden & Philadelphia memorializing Charlotte FD David Thornburg’s sister with Here I am lord in Gettysburg.

Members of the band attended this year’s National Fallen Firefigter’s Memorial. As always, it’s a great event to honor our fallen brothers and sisters and represent our great city, the PFD, and the PPD. Special thanks to the Gettysburg Fire Dept.

John Druding, Northwest Detective Division, 19 years with the PPD. Known as a great Detective and even a better man. He fought the fight, and has finished the race. God bless Detective Druding and his family. Rest In Peace and may your memory be eternal.

Congratulations to Drummer Harry Burke on his promotion to the rank of Drum Corporal. Harry was discussed and unanimously agreed and voted upon by Drum Sergeant Dave Crompton, and the Executive Board.

Congratulations to the promotions of the following members that were nominated and unanimously voted upon for their respective ranks: Jon Stanley: Pipe Sgt. to Pipe 1st Sgt. Gary Hughes: Pipe Cpl. To Pipe Sgt. Adam Wojnicki: Piper to Pipe Cpl.

Our 25th Anniversary Pipers Ball is officially booked! Mark your calendars! It will be at the Philadelphia Ballroom on Nov 5, 2021. Music will be provided by the Heartbeats and of course...us! More details to follow.