Red Deer Firefighters Pipes and Drums
About Us
The Red Deer Firefighters Pipes and Drums was formed to carry on a sacred tradition — one steeped in history, honour, and remembrance. In the 1800s, firefighting was one of the few professions available to Irish and Scottish immigrants in North America. With them came the haunting sound of the bagpipes, which quickly became a fixture in fire departments, especially at funerals, where they were played to honour the fallen. Over time, the pipes came to symbolize courage, sacrifice, and solemn tribute within the fire service.
While our members come from diverse backgrounds, we proudly represent the Red Deer Fire Department in everything we do. Whether leading parades, performing at memorials, or standing in solemn tribute at funerals, we play not just for ceremony, but to remember every sacrifice made in service to others.
Our motto, Às na luaithre — “From the Ashes” — reminds us where we come from, and who we stand for.
Mission
The Red Deer Firefighters Pipes and Drums was established to create cultural awareness around traditional Bagpipe and Drums music to Red Deer and surrounding communities. The society will foster and preserve bagpipe music and pipe band drumming through the study, practice and rendition of bagpipe music and drumming in all its forms. The society will also participate at various functions, both within the Fire Department and at the request of various community partners and charitable organizations.
Our Tartan
The Red Deer Firefighters Pipes and Drums proudly wear the McIvor Modern Tartan
