In typical fashion the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums showed up big for Washington, DC's 2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The DCFD Emerald Society Pipeband sported its LARGEST Band to date with 50 members making the trek from 7th to 17th marking the 10th time that the Pipeband has made the trip down Constitution Ave. Congratulations to Piper Matthew Westerbeck and Drummer Jamie McMahon on joing the ranks for their first parade. The DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums was awarded the "Best Pipe Unit" for their performance in the Washington, DC St. Patrick's Day 2013. In addition the DCFD Emerald Society Firefighters was awarded "Best Adult Marching Unit". A full list of awards and be seen here. Following the parade the DCFD ES Pipes and Drums members gathered their families and joined the members of DCFD Emerald Society at the DCFD Emerald Society Parade after-party to celebrate the holiday with friends, family, and all the supporters of the Band and Emerarld Society. At the conclusion of the night the DC ES Pipeband took their music to the streets of DC playing at Fado's Irish Pub and The Irish Channel in Chinatown. After a full day of events, Band members enjoyed a bit of commroderie and relaxation knowing full well that their next performance was coming bright and early in the morning at the International Association of Fire Fighters National Convention Opening Ceremony.

After surviving the massive Blizzard of March 2013 known as the Snowquestor; the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums took to the road to head to the second oldest Parade of any kind in the Nation in the city of Brotherly Love. This is the first year that the DCFD Emerald Society Pipeband has been able to make this trip north as the Philadelphia parade typically falls on the same day as DC's St. Patrick's Day celebration. A day filled with sunshine and springtime tempratures March 10th, 2013 was a beautiful day for a parade. After a long wait to kick off the parade the Pipeband strutted down Benjamin Franklin Pkwy all the way to the steps of the Art Museum where Rocky stood was waiting for a quick photo opportunity. The Band then gathered there things and hastily made their way over to the Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Local 22 Union Hall for some superb hospitality and performances. The DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums played a few sets before joining forces with the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums for a few numbers. The two bands thundered together as they both have grown and prospered under the tutelage of Bagpipe's Instructor Mark O' Donnell (and soloist from Keeping the Tradition Alive). Following the celebration of music; the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Members enjoyed the hospitality that the city of Brotherly Love knows best, and mingled with the PPFD Members, Local 22 brothers, and their families before heading to Tony Luke's for a Cheesesteak and returning to the Capital Region. The DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band was awarded the Phillip "Knute" Award for Outstanding Fraternal Organization for their participation in the 2013 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Full List of Awards) In addition, The DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Performance in front of the Bandstand and judging table can be viewed at CBS Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Coverage.

With the temprature below freezing and snow flakes peppering the air the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums formed up a circle to kick off their March Madness Parade Season on March 2nd, 2013. One of the most popular bands on the Parade route; the DCFD Emerald Society Pipeband marched the route and sought to thaw out their fingers on the invitation to play at two local Irish Pubs. Both Irelands own Pat Troy's and Murphy's Grand Irish Pub provided hospitality and warm crowds filled with cheer for the DCFD Emerald Society Pipeband. It was a great way to kick off the parade season and we would like to thank all of our family and friends from the south for helping us Keep the Tradition Alive!

Just a decade ago a group of DCFD Firemen got together to establish a Pipeband to establish and carry on the traditions that run throughout the fire service. From Line of Duty Deaths to Parades, they've worked hard to be prepared for anything and grow the band into the sizeable force it is today. Saturday night was a celebration amongst family, friends, and supporters to honor the Band and thier families whom have endured the countless hours of practice and performances since 2002. The celebration also marked the release of the DCFD Pipes and Drums first CD, "Keeping the Tradition Alive" which is available in the DCFD Pipes and Drums Web Store. With 10 years in the books, and many more to come, the DCFD Pipes and Drums kicked off their parade season and looks forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events.