![]() ![]() The tradition reflects respect and honor to those who gave their lives to their duty. The ceremonial ringing of the bell in memory of those who died in the line of duty is an age old tradition of the Fire Services that dates back over 150 years. The bagpipes have become a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero's funeral. Today, the tradition is universal and not just for the Irish or Scottish. All members wear the kilt and tunic, whether it is a Scottish clan tartan or Irish single color kilt. Many bands wear traditional Scottish dress while others wear the simpler Irish uniform. They are also traditionally known as Emerald Societies after Ireland - the Emerald Isle. The bagpipes add a special air and dignity to this solemn occasion.Ä«agpipe bands represent both fire and police often have more than 60 uniformed playing members. It wasn't too long before families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the bagpipes to be played for fallen heroes. The most famous song played at fire and police funerals is Amazing Grace. Those who have attended a funeral where bagpipes were played know how haunting and mournful the sound of the pipes can be. It was somehow okay for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of bagpipes when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade. The Irish firefighters' funerals were typical of all Irish funerals - the pipes were played. It was not an uncommon event to have several firefighters killed at a working fire. The only jobs they could get were the ones no one else wanted - jobs that were dirty, dangerous, or both - firefighters and police officers. Factories and shops had signs reading "NINA" - No Irish Need Apply. In the 1800's, Irish immigrants faced massive discrimination. It wasn't until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the East Coast of the United States that the tradition of the bagpipes really took hold in the fire department. ![]() One of these was the bagpipe, often played at Celtic weddings, funerals and ceili (dances). When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to this country, they brought many of their traditions with them. The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department and police department funerals in the United States goes back over one hundred fifty years. Why do the Police and Fire Departments play "Amazing Grace" on the Bagpipes at funerals? For more information, click here to go to their website. To request the North Port Fire Rescue District's Honor Guard please call (941) 240-8150. In addition to funerals and memorial services, the honor guard may be called on to post colors, march in parades, attend new station grand openings, social functions, and assist the families of our fallen brothers and sisters during their time of need. The North Port Fire Rescue District's Honor Guard is available to assist and/or work in conjunction with other honor guards for "Line of Duty" funerals and memorial services for all Fire, EMS and Police personnel as requested. Our purpose is to represent North Port Fire Rescue by projecting a positive image, and performing as a well-trained team at events and formal occasions as directed by the Fire Chief. We strive to accomplish this with the highest degree of professionalism, dedication, loyalty, honor and dignity possible. Our mission is to strive to honor firefighters in life, as well as death, and to exhibit the best possible image to the entire community. They have attended formal training at Florida State Fire College, marched in the local community celebration parades, attended new station grand openings (ring in-service), and participated in award ceremonies, as well as various other social functions and duties. The North Port Fire Rescue District's Honor Guard was formed in 2007. Community Relations and Public Education.Portable Cooking Grills and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.Fire Prevention Requirements for Special Event Vendors.Fire Fighter Safety Building Marking System.Annual Fire and Life Safety Inspections.Access Box Order and Placement Information.Sarasota County Disaster Planning Guide.Honor Guard and Fire Service Traditions.ISO Rating and your Homeowner's Insurance. ![]()
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