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In the summer of 2005, 10 members of the Orlando Fire Department made the commitment to put together a bagpipe and drums band.  At this point in time, OFD only had one member that played the pipes, that was District Chief Mark Austin who had 9 years of playing under his belt.  These 10 members made a pact that they would play their first gig in 2005, the 120^th anniversary of the Orlando Fire Department.  The 2005 Citrus Bowl Parade was the targeted event that would become our first ever gig. With this event agreed upon,  the Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums (OFP&D) were formed.

On December 30, 2005, the pipes and drums marched in with uniformed members of the City of Orlando Fire Department , and the reception that was received was incredible.  

The original members of the OFP&D that marched in that historical first gig were, Pipers: Scott Hammond, D/C Mark Austin, Walt Lewis, Mike Stallings, Drummers: Al Castanon (Bass), Matt Negedly , Jason Revoldt, Derek Schaumann (Snares).

The OFP&D would like to thank fellow bagpipers and drummers from the LEESCF, Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders, Tampa Bay Fire Pipes and Drums, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums, the City of Melbourne Pipe Band, OPD officer Pete Linnenkamp, and bagpipe legend Jaime Holton of Off Kilter, for their support and commitment to helping a group of tone-deaf firefighters become struggling musicians.