By Susan Wyatt KING 5 News
Photo: FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums
Members of the New York City Fire Department pipe band will be in Seattle this week for the West Coast premiere of a documentary celebrating their 50th anniversary.
The Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary, will host the event Thursday at the Showbox.
The film, “Through Triumph & Tragedy – 50 Years of the FDNY Pipes & Drums,” documents the history of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, from its origins with just 17 members in 1962, through the horror and grief of 9/11.
In the days after 9/11, the band made it their mission to play every funeral and memorial service for the 343 members of the Fire Department that died that day.
“They were going to multiple funerals every day,” said Tyson DePoe, Drum Major with Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums.
In fact, on some days the band played at up to 20 funerals.
DePoe said members of the Seattle band traveled to New York for the 9/11 anniversary and made contacts while there.
“We got to know the band members and when they were looking for a space to premiere their movie across the country they reached out to us,” he said.
With 100 members, the New York band is the largest fire department band in the U.S.
Expect some great music before and after the screening from both the SFD and FDNY bands.
“We’re really excited, this is the big time,” said DePoe. “They’re the major leagues.”
Proceeds from the event go to the Seattle Firefighter Pipes & Drums, which is an all-volunteer organization. The event is for ages 21 and over. Tickets [sic] prices start at $42. Doors open at 6pm. To buy tickets, click here.
