HFD Pipes and Drums is the result of a group of Houston firefighters' desire to enhance ceremonies for the Houston Fire Department. Members of the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard considered the possibility of its members learning to play the bagpipes. A primary goal was to have a piper at comrades' funerals.

Three members of the Honor Guard (Roger Anderson, George McAteer and Terry Crawford) began taking lessons in 1994. The first member to perform at a firefighter's funeral was George McAteer in February of 1995.

The group has since grown to a total of eleven members, eight pipers and three drummers. At present, performing members are active or retired Houston firefighters.

HFD Pipes and Drums perform at Cadet Graduations, Medals' Day / Valour Awards Ceremonies, memorials, parades and other nonpolitical events in addition to funerals for Houston Firefighters.

Memorials which members of the group have attended include, The I.A.F.F. Fallen Firefighter Memorial (Colorado Springs, Colorado), The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial (Emmitsburg, Maryland) and The Texas Peace Officers' Memorial (Austin, Texas).

The Tartan

The tartan adopted by HFD Pipes and Drums is a variation of the Texas Bluebonnet tartan. The original Texas Bluebonnet Tartan was designed by June McRobertson and designated as the official tartan of Texas by the Texas State Legislature in 1986. The bluebonnet is the Texas State flower.

The pattern is reminescent of the colors and design of the bluebonnet, when looking down at the flower.

HFD Pipes and Drums has darkened the colors of the original design. We have designated this the Houston Texas Bluebonnet. HFD Pipes and Drums are the only group in the world to have officially adopted the Houston Texas Bluebonnet tartan.

In addition, our kilts and plaids are custom pleated. The pleat, referred to as the Houston Pleat, is pleated to the red line in the tartan.

The Badge

HFD Pipes and Drums has a unique regimental badge.

Each component of the badge has significant meaning. The belt and buckle form a circle around the crest to which the wearer bears allegiance. The belt is usually inscribed with the regimental or family motto. The crest within the belt is that of the chieftain of the clan or, in the case of regimental badges, a symbol referring to the Regiment.

The regimental badge of HFD Pipes and Drums is a belt with the Regimental motto “PRO VITA ET PROPRIETATE” (Latin meaning “For Life and Property”) surrounding the Maltese Cross.

The crest is the universal symbol of the Fire Service, the Maltese Cross.

The letters HFD are inlayed on the cross as well as the year 1838. The letters "HFD" refer to the Houston Fire Department and "1838" refers to the year the first fire department was organized in Houston, Texas.