On December 18, 1992 Walter T. Williams III, a Waterbury police officer, was killed in the line of duty.  At the time there was no police pipe band in Connecticut.  Our brothers in the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums responded and escorted Officer Williams to his final resting place.  Days later a group of dedicated officers vowed to never again follow as one of their own was laid to rest… they would lead from the front and the Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury was born.  The band was formed in 1992 by a group of eight Waterbury officers, led by John Kennelly, Dave Jannetty, and Fred Spagnola (current Chief of Police for Waterbury).  The tartan chosen for the band is the Scottish National Modern. 

Throughout the years the Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury has remained steadfast in our commitment to the law enforcement community.  We have participated in countless law enforcement benefits, fundraisers, promotions, retirements, graduations, memorial services and funerals.  The band has been an annual participant at National Police Week in Washington, DC which attracts thousands of law enforcement officers from all over the world.  In fact, our reputation there has earned us the distinct privilege of being “host band” two times.  

We have had many unique and diverse performance opportunities which have included well known celebrities and dignitaries, parades, charitable events, weddings, birthday parties and the West Point Military Tattoo.  In addition, we have multiple first place, “best pipe band” and “best musical unit” awards among many other recognitions from our participation in juried events.   Some of the names, faces and uniforms may have changed over the years, but the goal remains the same; to be the best Police Pipe Band in the state of Connecticut. 

The Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.