Bakersfield Firefighter’s Pipes and Drums

"I'M NOT LEAVING MY MEN". On September 11, 2001, Peter James Ganci Jr. had 33 years with the FDNY. He was the FDNY Chief of Department, the highest ranking uniformed fire officer in the department. Immediately after the North Tower was hit at 8:46 A.M., Chief Ganci rushed from FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn, arrived at the World Trade Center in less than 10 minutes and set up a command post.
Chief Ganci and others were in the basement of the South Tower when it collapsed at 9:59 A.M., but they dug themselves out of the rubble that had caved in on them. Ganci ordered his men to set up a different command post in a safer location, further north of the buildings. However, Ganci himself returned to the buildings, coming to stand in front of 1 WTC where he was directing the rescue efforts.
Chief Ganci instructed Mayor Giuliani, the fire commissioners and others to clear the area because it was apparent the North Tower would fall. However, Ganci himself did not evacuate the area, saying, "I'm not leaving my men", and remained at that location with William Feehan, first deputy commissioner of the FDNY. Chief Ganci and Deputy Commissioner Feehan were killed when the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 A.M.
It was said that Chief Ganci would never ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself. It was also said the he was always right at the front lines.
Following the death of Chief Ganci, Chief Daniel Nigro, the FDNY Chief of Operation, was appointed Chief of the Department and was higly regarded for his leadership following the deaths of 343 firefighters in the attacks. In 2014, Chief Nigro was appointed FDNY Fire Commissioner. Last year, Commissioner Nigro, renamed the FDNY Medal of Valor, the highest honor for bravery, after Chief Ganci, the legendary Chief who is still revered by the FDNY so many years after his death. Chief Ganci’s two sons followed in his footsteps.
When NYC needed the FDNY the most, the FDNY was there for us. Countless lives were saved. The FDNY never hesitated on 9/11/01 and they never faltered, even when some firefighters knew that day could/would likely be the last day of their lives. That is pure heroism. This is why the FDNY are called “New York’s Bravest”. NEVER FORGET.

Pics from this year's 9/11 Cermony. Proud to play alongside these men as we pay tribute and remembers those we lost 21 years ago on 9/11. Bakersfield Firefighter's Pipes and Drums along with our instructors John Partenan and Bakersfield Police Officer Officer Nick Hayes.

Please come out and support our 9/11 Memorial Ceremony....let us always remember those that were lost on 9/11/2001. 🇺🇸🚒🙏

On Saturday July 23rd Bakersfield Firefighter's Pipes and Drums along with California Professional Firefighter's Pipes and Drums and Los Angeles County Fire Pipes and Drums played for the memorial Service of Kern County Fire Captain Brian Falk. God bless our Kern County Fire brothers and sisters and the Falk family. RIP brother we'll take it from here. 🙏

Bakersfield Firefighter's Pipes and Drums were honored to play for our latest academy graduation. Congratulations Bakersfield Fire Department 22-1 and congrats to Deputy Chief Bill Ballard on his last day of 33 years of service. Congrats Chief!!!

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Chris Campbell has a friend working on a Kilt Knife (The Sgian Dubh) being made for Bakersfield Firefigher's Pipes and Drums. These look so cool can't wait to get mine!!!

Just in.....our new bass drums covers!!! The drum corps are gonna be stoked!!! Thank you Bakersfield Fire for the support of Pipes and Drums!!

Bakersfield Firefigher's Pipes and Drums/Honor Guard w/h Fire Chief John Frando. We were honored to play for the memorial service/ celebration of life for retired BFD Engineer Tom Heflin.

Bakersfield Firefighers Pipes and Drums getting ready for St Pat's. See all our BFD brothers @
Pyrenees. The Relief party is from 11-4 and the band we'll be playing at noon. 🍻🍀🍀🍀🍀

Guys from 1A's Christmas Card. Very Cool 🎄🎁. Thought we could pass it along.

https://gofund.me/d79a365e

Engineer David Spink’s Unexpected Expenses, organized by BPFA L2325 The Barstow Professional Firefighter’s Association L2325 would like to create t… BPFA L2325 needs your support for Engineer David Spink’s Unexpected Expenses

Wallace Pipes are in!! Chris Campbell and Nick Kahanic with our instructor John Partenan.

Bakersfield City Fire Pipes and Drums are raising money for new “pre-used” equipment, by selling T-shirt’s. $25 and YES red is the only color. Womens vnecks are also available. Orders need to be in by Nov 30th…..for Dec 15th delivery date…..message me for Venmo info!!! Thank you everyone…..HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! ❤️🙏🏼

Bakersfield Firefighter's Pipes and Drums assisted Kern County Fire's Honor Guard @ Retired KCFD Tom McCarthy's Memorial Service today. Tom's brother Owen McCarthy was a Deputy Chief for Bakersfield Fire, while his older brother Tom was the Fire Chief of Kern County Fire. We learned a lot about this great man today from the stories told. Tom is also the uncle of Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Paul played Amazing Grace while waking down a flight of stairs and did an excellent job!! It's a good thing we were in a church because I was praying he didn't trip. 😊

Bakersfield Firefighter's Pipes and Drums assisted Kern County Fire's Honor Guard @ Retired KCFD Tom McCarthy's Memorial Service today. Tom's brother Owen McCarthy was a Deputy Chief for Bakersfield Fire while his older brother was the Fire Chief of Kern County Fire. We learned a lot about this great man from the stories told at his service. Tom is also the uncle of Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Paul walked down a flight of stairs playing Amazing Grace and did an great job!!

Bakersfield firefighters P&D founder and Fire Captain Tim Ortiz, with his new custom McCallum bagpipes. They were custom made in Scotland! He’s excited to break them in!

More photos from this year’s 9/11 ceremony

Honoring the late Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones of Porterville Fire Department. Humbled to be able to pay tribute and our respects to these heroes

Your Bakersfield Firefighters Pipes & Drums helping to honor the fallen heroes of and victims of 9/11 at this weekend’s memorial ceremony. Thank you Bakersfield Fire Department and all involved for an amazing event! Blessed to be a part of this tradition