FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2007
CONTACT: Sgt. Jim Toomey
623-930-3254

Glendale Police Pipes & Drums Achieve Milestone

For the first time in its history, the bagpipe and drum corps of the Glendale Police Department “placed” in a pipe band competition. On February 25, 2007, the band earned third place in the Quick March Medley competition at the recent highland games hosted by the Caledonian Society of Arizona, in Mesa. This marked the first time the band has earned prize money at an official competition.

“We’re very excited about placing,” said Sgt. Jim Toomey. “Naturally, we would prefer to win, but when you consider how far the band has come, this is a tremendous achievement for us.” The band grew from just a few students under pipe major Ford Dudley in 2002, into the current band, which includes 13 pipers and 5 drummers. The band began formally competing in 2005. “I remember practicing outside, around the tailgate of a pickup truck, hitting a cardboard box instead of a bass drum,” Toomey said. “Since then, we’ve performed, competed, traveled to Scotland, and now we’ve earned a legitimate prize at a sanctioned games. It’s a real testament to the dedication of the band members.”

The pipe band is also associated with the Glendale Police Honor Guard, and performs ceremonial duties, such as the recent funeral of Officer Anthony Holly. Of the 18 members, four are police officers and three are firefighters.

The others are volunteers from all walks of life, but who share a love of the bagpipes, as well as a deep affection for the public safety community.