The Pipes, The Pipes are Calling...

We all knew that the air at the disaster site was unsafe to breathe despite reassurances from Senator Hilary Clinton. As time went on, many of our Brother and Sister EMT’s, Paramedics and Firefighters would become ill and succumb to cancers from the toxins in the air. The Emergency Medical Service Bureau of the FDNY started our own Pipe and Drum Band to Honor the sacrifices made by our members. I along with about 25 others, began meeting and studying and learning to play and in March of 2007, we made our debut in the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. A new tradition was born.

Over the years since, the band has played at hundreds of ceremonies and unfortunately more than 42 additional funerals for EMS members that have died as a result of illnesses contracted while working at the disaster site. Pictured above, id the funeral for EMT Yadira Arroyo, an EMT killed in the line of duty.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade