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, all eleven 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).
We are working toward sending the entire band to The I.A.F.F. Fallen Firefighter Memorial and The National Fallen Firefighter Memorial on an annual basis. These ceremonies will honor all firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
We will continue to expand our group and improve our skills in order to render the honors all firefighters so richly deserved.
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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. |
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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. |
HFD Pipes and Drums has four classes of uniforms:
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Full Dress Uniform: Feather bonnet with red hackle, regimental badge, dark blue military doublet with Houston Fire Department Honor Guard patches, "HFD" collar insignia, cross belt, waist belt, dirk, military sporran, plaid with broach, kilt, argyle hose tops, red flashes, white spats with black buttons and black dress shoes.
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Class A Uniform: Glengarry with regimental badge, long sleeve departmental uniform dress shirt with Houston Fire Department Honor Guard patches, black tie, Honor Guard badge and collar insignia, Honor Guard epaulets, shoulder cord, waist belt, hair sporran, kilt, argyle hose tops, red flashes, white spats with black buttons and black dress shoes.
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Class B Uniform: Glengarry with regimental badge, short sleeve departmental uniform dress shirt with Houston Fire Department patches, rank appropriate badge and collar brass, hair sporran, kilt, argyle hose tops, red flashes, white spats with black buttons and black dress shoes.
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Class C Uniform: Solid Glengarry with regimental badge, red HFD Pipes and Drums T-shirt, waist belt, military sporran, kilt, argyle hose tops, red flashes, white spats with black buttons and black dress shoes.
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The buttons on the white spats are painted black to honor all fallen firefighters.
| District Chief George McAteer | Pipe Major |
| Captain Terry Crawford | Piper |
| Engineer / Operator Troy Steinberg | Piper |
| Captain Hunter Schappaugh | Piper / Webmaster |
| Engineer / Operator Lee Addison | Piper / Quartermaster |
| Engineer / Operator Matt Holloway | Piper |
| District Chief Richard Cole | Piper |
| Captain Dwayne Jernegan | Piper |
| William "Robbie" Robertson | Piper / Instructor |
| Firefighter Jay Barkdull | Side Drum / Lead Tip |
| Captain Matt White | Side Drum |
| Firefighter Howard Livesay | Bass Drum |
William "Robbie" Robertson of Houston, Texas, was involved with HFD Pipes and Drums from its inception to his death. Robbie graciously contributed his talents and expertise to our cause and was a tremendous source of knowledge on marching, band formation, protocol and uniforms. His most important contribution to our group was his skill, patience and encouragement as members learn to play the bagpipes.