The Surrey Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums Band (SFFP&D) band is raising funds to rebrand in colours and patterns that give meaning of tartans and to symbolize the IAFF and BCPFFA. On July 17, 2022 BCPFFA representatives presented the SFFP&D band with a $40,000 cheque and a copy of the Special Resolution.
Photo by Dave Harcus
Earlier this year, the SFFP&D band provided a budget presentation to the BCPFFA executive board to outfit the current members of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Pipe and Drums Band with a capital campaign. The BCPFFA executive board was supportive and motioned for significant funding towards the campaign. Fifty three BCPFFA Local affiliates voted on a special resolution by referendum vote to support the SFFP&D band where it was successfully adopted. In addition, the BCPFFA supports the band with a 10 cent per capita specifically for the BC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial travel needs.
Pipe Major Jeff Sim stated, “It’s off the charts… we are overwhelmed at the support of the membership in particular the BCPFFA leadership, the way you have accepted us and promoted our efforts not only now but over the last decade. We will strive to continue our commitment to provide one of the longest standing traditions whenever and where ever possible to our brothers and sisters of the IAFF.”
Piper (& BCPFFA Vice President Emeritus) Tim Baillie goes on to say, “There’s not enough words to thank the BCPFFA for helping us with this campaign. We are here to serve our brothers and sisters, families and communities.”
The SFFPD band is called on often to participate at a variety of events such as Line of Duty Death (LODD) memorials such as BC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, parades, and local community events.
President Gord Ditchburn says, “We are appreciative of the SFFP&D band and what they represent by continuing the long-standing tradition of coming together to provide a wonderful service to the families of our fallen at memorials services. They add a special effect as our men and women remember the fallen that I admire very much.”
The band is funded by hosting fundraisers or receiving contributions from organizations including the BCPFFA, Surrey Fire Fighters Local 1271 and many locals who request their services. The funds provide support for uniform, equipment and travel. Locals wishing to contribute funds at their own accord are welcomed to do so on an ongoing basis.
Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “Having worked with Pipe Major Jeff Sim on several occasions over the last 15 years on LODD services, community events and BCPFFA Biennial Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, it has been an honour. We admire the showmanship these fine musicians bring to events attended by our families, members and communities. They are a dedicated group wishing to grow their team by welcoming any member willing to join. We appreciate their succession planning for the future..”
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Video by Chris Mckee
ABOUT THE SFFP&D BAND: The Surrey Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums Band (SFFPD) is a non-profit highland bagpipe and drum band in British Columbia established in 2013 with its own constitution and by-laws. The band performs at joyous and solemn occasions around the province, the country, and North America – these musicians proudly keep firefighter traditions alive. The SFFPD band is (currently) composed of 24 pipers and 8 drummers of both active and retired firefighters from Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, Richmond and the Township of Langley, including men and women of various ethnic backgrounds including civilians, police and military personnel. The 32 member band welcomes any band member from other BC Locals to join the team.
