Pipe Band Award
A few commentators and a couple of e-mailers accuse us of picking on the Pipe bands for the creation of the "Pipe Band Award."
First of all, we appreciate all the bands do. They've always been impressive and dedicated and professional when called upon. We've posted their fund raising event info when asked on a few occasions. Their being carried on the sheets when performing at official Department functions is only proper.
But a ribbon bar award? Wouldn't it be more practical and more utilitarian to have something similar to the Fitness Award medal they could wear on their field uniforms? Something worn opposite the star like the Memorial Pin is worn? Maybe a miniature pipe or drum or tartan, renewed annually and surrendered should the member leave the band?
The intent of the post was to point out the cheapening of the Department Commendation award and the silliness of giving out BS awards for just showing up.
First of all, we appreciate all the bands do. They've always been impressive and dedicated and professional when called upon. We've posted their fund raising event info when asked on a few occasions. Their being carried on the sheets when performing at official Department functions is only proper.
But a ribbon bar award? Wouldn't it be more practical and more utilitarian to have something similar to the Fitness Award medal they could wear on their field uniforms? Something worn opposite the star like the Memorial Pin is worn? Maybe a miniature pipe or drum or tartan, renewed annually and surrendered should the member leave the band?
The intent of the post was to point out the cheapening of the Department Commendation award and the silliness of giving out BS awards for just showing up.
Labels: scc responds
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
45 Comments:
What do you expect from the generation that was given awards from T-ball through college just for showing up? This is just an extension of that mentality of 'nobody goes home without an award'.
And it's why we have mommy and wifey phoning Johhny's boss to bitch about how he's treated at work. The lines are so blurry these days, they've simply ceased to exist.
Just like the Attendance award. Give the pussies a ribbon so the public think they actually did something in their careers. Fuckin priceless. They already have Crime Reduction and Democratic Convention. You know you see a loser if they wear just this Hat Trick.
If the rowdy roddy pipers get an award, then I deserve one too! After I take my prisoners to lock-up, I always play my harmonica to give the perps a proper sendoff.
When the black detention aides hear me playing, they break out the turntables and microphones and we all jam! Lately we've been doing a gangsta rap version of "Folsom Prison Blues," except we call it "Slow moving Area 1 Lockup Blues." Believe me, by the time we're half way done the scumbag criminal is begging to be locked away!
Hello out there, fellow gang and tactical warriors. Sorry, but I'm not going to be able to post as long as I usually do. I got to get up early in the morning and meet up with the Woman's Tactical Association out in Harvey for shotgun and karate training. Hiiii-yaaaaaaaaaaa! The best part is that I will be doing it on company time. Nothing like tea-bagging the city. I'll leave you with some of my sage advise.
Ultimate Tactical tip of the day #652- If a lowly blue shirt happens to stumble upon a good pinch, such as catching a homicide offender, show up on scene and demand to be put on the paper. If they refuse, get your tactical Sgt. over there immediately. He'll most likely give them a direct order to put you and himself on the paper for the sake of numbers. Don't feel bad, the arrest should have been yours anyway.
Take care out there fellow Delta Force Warriors.
you know what.... im a regular blue shirt and I appreciate and accept them getting a ribbon for being in the pipes and drums or emerald society. they do funerals for p.os family members, retired p.os and p.os deceased non duty related... and they do it off the clock and as a charity. I have found the pipers to be great people. if they get an award, good for them. they are really good to policemans families. Give them a ribbon... hell, ill pin it on thier chest for them
Thank you pipes bands!!You were their when we needed you!!thats all that matters to me!!!Didnt ask for anything and gave your all!!!
Wish more in this department were as unselfish!!Most in this department wont lift a finger for others unless its for time and a half!!!
These people give to this department on their own!!
Thanks again but you probably shouldnt get an award for it!!
sorry, you "just cant show up" and be able to play in one of the 2 bands. it takes years of practice and dedication. if you think the pipe band award is silly, fine, but dont lump it in with all the other bs awards that the policy group gets
OK can someone tell us what happened ??????
Yup, the Pipe Bands do perform great services for our department.
When requested for a charitable event they show up.
It takes a lot of their own time and talent to participate and they don't do it for the glory.
Sooo, IF they allow them to wear a ribbon bar or other device on their uniform, I say, they earned it, let them wear it.
And, like I do when I see a veteran or military personnel in uniform, I THANK them for their service.
I suggest we all count our blessings and do likewise.
Nothing to see here move along.
I applaud all of the bands, however a ribbon/award is too much. What's next? The CPD soccer team award, or maybe the choir award?
I agree with SCC allow a lapel type pin to adorn the uniform to represent such groups.
I agree S.C.C. I think the band is very much needed and respected but i don't think a ribbon is proper. I remember when a DC meant something back in the day. Now the pieces of shit down at 35th St. get em for making the right tasting coffee. You guys do a great job. Ease up on the ribbon guys and gals. Get em the old fashion way, On the street.
Yeah quit picking on the pipe band! Me and a couple of my fellow officers were inspired by this award. We figure if we can't get an award for catching murderer's, drug dealers, and thief's we would try our hand at something unique. We currently gathered several PLASTIC BUCKETS and have been rehearsing off duty and on our rdo's. We are the founding members of the BUCKET BOY BAND of the CPD!! We look forward to our award too Jody.
currently gathered several PLASTIC BUCKETS and
LMAO!!
SCC, you don't have to explain yourself. Us sharp guy know what you meant. It's the OTHERS that wig out.
Just like the Attendance award. Give the pussies a ribbon so the public think they actually did something in their careers. Fuckin priceless. They already have Crime Reduction and Democratic Convention. You know you see a loser if they wear just this Hat Trick.
There are those of us that actually worked the DNC and dealt with the sumbag hippies and got sued so it's not ALL bullshit but I whole heartily agree.
A fuckin award for being in a fucking band. What on earth does that have to do with police work.
And stop heaping such praise on these bag pipers. They don't always do shit for free. They charge fees for appearances. Pretty high from what I've heard. Maybe someone can shed light but I think it's about $150 per man.
Not to mention all there bullshit time off to "practice" while their co workers are in the trenches. Hey, go practice on your own fucking time.
I agree, they do a great job but a "Ribbon Award"? Not worthy of that!
I agree S.C.C. I think the band is very much needed and respected but i don't think a ribbon is proper. I remember when a DC meant something back in the day. Now the pieces of shit down at 35th St. get em for making the right tasting coffee. You guys do a great job. Ease up on the ribbon guys and gals. Get em the old fashion way, On the street.
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ur just jealous ---goof ball...
What's wrong with working indoors...
FYI... Just got my 5th DC .. And "I" think "I" deserve them ALL... Hope my days are always better than yours and when the time comes to type up your sorry award for being on the STREET, I'm taking my SLOW time finishing that up for you..
Afterall, perfecting coffee is a never ending experience...
Gotta go...boss just walked in and got to pretend like I'm busy..
And what about those of us that are in the CPD Choir? Can't we get an award also?
remines me of all the usmc that have as many usmc stickers and usmc liscense plate holders on their cars and have Never been to Combat or been in the Infantry!! LoL So you go girl
If the rowdy roddy pipers get an award, then I deserve one too! After I take my prisoners to lock-up, I always play my harmonica to give the perps a proper sendoff.
When the black detention aides hear me playing, they break out the turntables and microphones and we all jam! Lately we've been doing a gangsta rap version of "Folsom Prison Blues," except we call it "Slow moving Area 1 Lockup Blues."
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That there is some funny shit.
They gave all the CPD honor guard members a meritorious unit award.
I have no problem honoring the pipe bands, but only if they play together. This department and metropolitan area does not need two bands.
Listen : We all love the band. You don't need a ribbon. We see you when your IN the band, no need for a ribbon to confirm this. Whats next? Time Keeper? Desk Ribbon? Hospital Car Ribbon? WTF?
although a nice gesture, bagpipe music gives me a headache, and I'm really getting tired of hearing it at every police-related function. Quit forcing this on us all the time.
I am Swiss, and I want a Ribbon because I can Yodel at work. I want a yellow ribbon, with holes in it, like my mother country's beloved Cheese.
If the members of the Choir are going to get a ribbon, what about those of us in the CPD Quilting Club? We have made an awful lot of old people happy with some of our quilts.
Can I get a ribbon for working in area 2???
Why not, it takes years of practice on their own time to do that.
Do you think it's easy, try to pick up a set of bagpipes and play Amazing Grace. I have been to more than a couple of funerals over the years and had to hold back the tears when I heard that tune.
The award should be given for service in the band after so many years and musical accomplishment. The same for bugler who blows Taps.
The Award ought to have a name, I strongly recommend, The CHIEF FRANCIS O'NIELL AWARD. Look that name up in the history of the CPD.
Stay safe, we need them to play more reels and fewer dirges.
Any award should pertain to doing an exceptional job while performing/executing your police duties , and that doesn't mean shuffling papers and filling staplers!!!!
Listen, when the pipes and drums of the CHicago police department left the other band, we did so because the other band did not honor the CPD. It was only a few of us. If any award should be given, it should be given to the founding top five members only. However, I do not see the CPD Band lasting another year under its new management. What a shame all the hard work we put into that band, soon to be down the shit hole.
I am not a member of the Pipe Band but I know the words to Risin' of the Moon.
Everyone who has posted a negative comment on a award for the Pipe Band I will bet never...
put in the time and effort to become proficient with an musical instrument.
Doesn't do anything to promote camaraderie like belong to any real club, like a police ethnic society, a military association like the Chicago Police Marines, a police sports team even at the district level, or even a motorcycle club like the Brothers in Blue, American Lawmen or Blue Knights.
Certainly was not on the job long enough to remember Rotating Shifts and REAL WATCH PARTIES. Probably doesn't even go to district retirement parties and probably does not go to the St. Jude Parade.
So the band members worked on their own time, to do something that makes the rest of us look good and does us proud at funerals and parades.
God Bless 'em for it. Why begrudge them a small token of our appreciation.
I have a friend who told me her definition of a gentleman was a man who knows how to play the bagpipes, but doesn't.
I applaud all of the bands, however a ribbon/award is too much. What's next? The CPD soccer team award, or maybe the choir award?
I agree with SCC allow a lapel type pin to adorn the uniform to represent such groups.
11/14/2009 08:38:00 AM
Six of the founders of the CPD Football Team actually put themselves in for the Award of Merit, which is a ribbon and a medal!!!!
WTF.......for starting a football club....WTF!!!!!
They should be embarrassed for even trying!
Thank god it was denied last year.
Whats next? Time Keeper? Desk Ribbon? Hospital Car Ribbon? WTF?
W/C coffee run car ribbon
Smoooooooch !
Let me get that brown off your nose. Nope, its not coffee, either.
Hey, how about me and my 1st watch bro's who snore in syncopated rhythm? It really is something when 5 car loads of beef snore in unison.
Excuse me for the typo...
The Award ought to have a name, I strongly recommend, The CHIEF FRANCIS O'NIELL AWARD. Look that name up in the history of the CPD.
Should Read...
The CHIEF FRANCIS O'NEILL AWARD. Look that name up in the history of the CPD.
(See, wttw.com Chicago Stories by John Calloway, Francis O'Neill, The Police Chief Who Saved Irish Music)
"I have no problem honoring the pipe bands, but only if they play together. This department and metropolitan area does not need two bands.
11/14/2009 04:50:00 PM"
AGREED, MAYBE THEY SHOULD HAVE A PIPE OFF @ THE FOP SELL TICKETS TO BENEFIT THOSE LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY. LET THE BEST BAND WIN!!
I play the violin. Can I get an award?
This awards thing has gotten way out of hand. I thought that the attendance award was the epitome of self promotion and ego stroking BS. And then they changed the criteria, so that the gang/MSF/TRU morons who didn't bother to show up in court and lost a day could get it and I knew we'd reached bottom. Or so I thought until this bagpipe nonsense. And besides, they do it on company time.
I say leave it up to the powers to be but...
IT IS WHAT IT IS so if/when you see someone wearing that particular ribbon you'd (hopefully)know that ribbon was for that particular 'service' in the CPD.
Obviously, every ribbon has its own significance so take it for what it is.
Not all military ribbons stand for war/combat related service.
Can't we all just get along?
After I take my prisoners to lock-up, I always play my harmonica to give the perps a proper sendoff.
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The difference is that the bag pipers give the POLICE a proper sendoff. A little history lesson for you all ...
On Tuesday 09 Feb 1982, P.O. William Fahey and P.O. Richard O'Brien were shot and killed after attending the funeral of P.O. James Doyle. The Chicago Police Department lost 3 police officers in 7 days. The NYPD graciously sent dozens of police bag pipers to honor these fallen heroes with "an inspectors funeral"
Shortly after a young Chicago Police officer from the Emerald Society posted a notice in the daily bulletin for any police officer interested in becoming a bag piper to attend an informational meeting at the Milk Drivers Union Hall at 220 S. Ashland.
Hundreds of police officers attended this informational meeting and the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society was born.
The members of this group of volunteer musicians/police officers spent approximately one (1) year learning to play the instruments to "HONOR OUR FALLEN"
Trust me, after 6 months of frustration a very large percentage drop out. Those that persevere are allowed the opportunity to donate their time to the grieving families of fallen heroes.
If the police department can give someone a ribbon because they were on the paper, let's give ribbons to those that DESERVE them!!!
for more info www.copsinkilts.com
"Listen, when the pipes and drums of the CHicago police department left the other band, we did so because the other band did not honor the CPD."
It had nothing to do with Honor, rather it had everything to do with competing EGOS.
It's a nice gesture but I don't want a ribbon for my contribution to the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society.
Playing the pipes to honor cops is the reward!
stay safe all
I AM PUTTING TOGETHER ANOTHER LETTER FOR RECOMMENDING AN AWARD RIBBON FOR THE "BEST SUPERVISOR". HOWEVER IF THE SUPERVISOR DOES NOT GIVE ME AN EARLY DUCK ON MY FRIDAY, THE RIBBON WILL BE IMMEDIATELY STRIPPED.
As a member of the Pipes and Drums, it was a shock to me to see that the department was designing an award annouced here. I dismissed it at first, I even posted a comment on it. Then a few weeks later I am told that the Pipes and Drums needs to submit a report with then names of all of our past and present members to the department for an award was quite surprising. SCC, I don't know who your source is, but WOW...they definitely got good scoop on this one. Anyway, I know that neither band petitioned in any way shape or form for this award to be created. If it comes to fruitation then so be it. We will accept it graciously and continue on doing what we do best, honoring our fallen. For the most part I saw very positive comments in regards to both bands work. Thank you to those that support both the Emerald Society band and the Pipes and Drums of the CPD. We couldn't do it without your help. Just some answers to a few statements seen here and in the other post:
1. For the most part we, the Pipes and Drums of the CPD, play for free if it is a department related event i.e. benefits, promotion parties, retirements. We will accept donations, which are highly appreciated. All of our equipment and our uniforms are bought by each individual member, and we pay for our trips out of pocket. We, just like the Emerald Society, receive NO monetary support from the department. We, the P&D, do charge for weddings, and other assorted parties. The fee is set by us and if you need a piper for an event such as this check either bands website on how to contact us.
2. Playing the pipes and drums is not an easy task. I have been at it for 9 years and I still consider myself a novice. It takes hard work and dedication. If you think you can play either instrument just coming to practice once a week and not practicing at any other time you are insane. You must practice everyday to just be proficient. If you want to be good at it, you must practice for hours, everyday. So to say that we do not dedicate any of our own time to do this is ludaucris (spelling?).
3. Anyone can come out and join either band. I have said this before will say it again. If you want to give it a shot, feel free to come to practice. Tuesday's for P&D's and Thursday's for Emerald Society. It's at the Academy at 7:00pm. Both bands would love to have some new blood. Come out and see what it takes. The work that goes into it and the dedication of the members. If you are a naysayer we will convert you.
4. I was not part of the Emerald Society band and was not a founding member of the P&D. I do not get into the politics that took place over 10 years ago. Suffice it to say that there are two bands and it will probably remain that way. I love "we" love our band and the Emerald Society guys and gals love their band. We co-exist and perform together from time to time. It is what it is.
Lastly, to the harbinger of doom who says that the P&D will not exist in a year, that will not happen. I guarantee that. Our need band board is adjusting very well. There are hiccups to be sure, but they are doing a fine job. We have a very strong core of personell, who are very dedicated to the cause. We have played more events this past year than in any previous year in recent memory.
We will be there when and where our fellow officers need us. Our cause is a just one and our compass is true. We will march on and honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice. If either band can be of service to any of you, contact us and we, the Pipes and Drums of the CPD and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will be there for you.
Bill Schield
Band Manager
The Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department.
To the "Founding Top Five Member" of the Pipes and Drums.....the only award you will get is the quitter award...because I know you are no longer in the band....and there is probably a reason for that....we sound better, play more, and are a much better band these days....we will be a band next year and you will still be a quitter.
...they actually did something in their careers. Fuckin priceless. They already have Crime Reduction and Democratic Convention. You know you see a loser if they wear just this Hat Trick.
11/14/2009 02:19:00 AM...
Who's the loser?
Go pick up a bagpipe chanter, and give up hours of drinking, or TV sports and movies to practice to get the notes and the tunes just right on your own. Then pay more for a set of pipes, and the uniform than for a set of golf clubs.
Then practice more with like minded members of the department who have more pride in what we do and who we are than you had on graduation day from the academy. Then practice some more and be there for the grieving times and the times when we can wave our flags.
Stay safe pal, who's the loser, certainly not them.
I just had a thought. In the movie BRAVEHEART, before the battle, the Scottish rebels lined up and faced LONGSHANKS. They jeer him then turn pull their kilts and shake their arses (asses) at him.
Mel Gibson said it ws the largest showing of asses in film histry.
We should do the same with SHORTSHANKS, not a pretty sight I grant you, but would really express our sentiments very well.
It's a nice gesture but I don't want a ribbon for my contribution to the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society.
Playing the pipes to honor cops is the reward!
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Well said!
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