Bagpipers at Police Department events go back almost 200 years

During the 1840’s “Great Potato Famine” Irish and Scottish families immigrated to the United States looking for work opportunities and better lives. Due to racism, however, they were not received well. Businesses seeking to hire help would regularly post signs with “NINA” meaning “No Irish Need Apply.”

Some of the only work left was in the Police and Fire Services. Since they were dangerous lines of work, they were less desired by citizens. The high death rate took its toll on the Irish and Scottish communities.

When these deaths would occur, the Irish and Scottish communities would take solace in traditional Celtic funerals characterized by the Bagpipes - an instrument that brings a somber and reflective atmosphere that demands respect. Such a huge impact was made on the people that non Scotch-Irish Service families started requesting bagpipes for their funerals as well. Generations later, Bagpipes were adopted so much that they are now synonymous with the two Departments.

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