The Ventura City Pipes and Drums, a program of the Ventura Fire Foundation, was out in full force for St. Patrick's Day.
From the parade to stops at many local establishments, the Pipes Band celebrated and shared our Mission to enhance the lives and provide assistance to firefighters and their families.
The Ventura City Pipes and Drums was started in 2014 in honor of Ventura City Fire Captain John Duff.
Captain Duff passed away in 2013 of colon cancer, presumptively caused by his work as a firefighter (the death rate for cancer is 14% higher for firefirefighters than for the general public).
When he passed, there was trouble finding a nearby firefighter to play at his service...so Ventura City Pipes and Drums was formed.
Since then, the Pipes Band has grown to nine members strong, and has played for fire departments all over the region, including Ventura County, Oxnard, Montecito, Santa Barbara City, Santa Barbara County, and Los Angeles County.
Captain John Duff
Shawn Hughes honors Capt. Duff
Captain Duff was one of the best firefighters I've ever met. He was a fan of all firefighting traditions and loved the bagpipes. When we play for any event, we make a short statement about Captain Duff having a line of duty death, then pass the boot and play Highland Cathedral.
-- Jason Kay Captain, Ventura City Fire Member, Ventura City Pipes and Drums Treasurer, Ventura Fire Foundation
"2-OUT" refers to the firefighting policy of 2-In/2-Out. For interior structure fires, at least two personnel must stand by outside the fire area prepared to rescue the inside firefighters. Dedicated to enhancing the lives and providing assistance to firefighters and their families, Ventura Fire Foundation stands 2-Out for fire families.
Ventura Fire Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization EIN 47-1336798
