The Halton Regional Police Service Pipes and Drums were formed on September 2, 1987, as a result of a co-operative effort by members of the Halton community and members of the Halton Regional Police Service. They operate out of Oakville, Ontario and their primary function is to enhance the concept and spirit of community policing through the performance of highland bagpipe music at concerts, charity and fundraising events, police and military Tattoos, parades throughout the Golden Horseshoe, in the United States, and overseas. But most of all, the Pipes and Drums represent the emotion of the Halton Regional Police Service, everywhere they perform.
The band performs, under the permission of the Chief of Police, at 40 or more community events within and beyond Halton Region, including: Swearing-In Ceremonies; Police Day; Volunteer Appreciation Nights; Police Exemplary Service Medal (PESM) Awards; and Citizen Police Academy graduations.
The Pipes and Drums today are under the direction of Pipe Major Graeme Sutherland formerly of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) and Drum Major Special Constable John Guy and appear by kind permission of Chief Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service.
All of the members of the Pipes and Drums are volunteers and are serving and retired police and peace officers, and civilians.
The Pipes and Drums recently returned from a tour of the Netherlands to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.