South Carolina first responders keep bagpipe tradition alive through service band
Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums honors fallen, performs at community events and recruits new members
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Aging Untold) — A bagpipe and drum band in South Carolina is carrying on a tradition rooted in more than 170 years of first responder history.
The Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums is a service band composed primarily of fire and police personnel. The tradition traces back to the mid-1800s, when most police officers and firefighters in New York City were of Irish and Scottish descent. Today, first responders of all backgrounds make up similar bands across the country.
A tradition brought south
Retired Yonkers police officer Bob Brown founded the band in Myrtle Beach.
“It’s become such a tradition with the police department,” Brown said. “I just thought it would be something nice to bring down here.”
Brown serves as pipe major and is responsible for selecting the band’s music.
Lifetime of learning
Firefighter Jeanine Shelley has played pipes for 15 years and is a member of the band.
She said Scottish and Irish immigrants brought the pipes to New York City and into fire and police service.
“I just love it. It’s a passion of mine,” Shelley said. “It’s a lifetime of learning. And you say there’s only nine notes to it, but there’s a million embellishments that go with it. So, the minute you slack off, you kind of fall backwards so you’ve got to keep practicing.”
Myrtle Beach police support services trainer Officer Danny Sullivan joined the band in 2015 as its first student.
“I’m proud to say I’m their first student,” Sullivan said. “So they got me from student to streets, and now I am a pipe corporal for the band.”
Beyond performances
The band stays ready to honor fallen first responders and their families, and also performs at parades, celebrations and graduations.
In addition to performances, the band raises money for charities through fundraisers and toy drives.
The band is actively recruiting new members and offers instruction through experienced players.
“We’ll teach people,” Brown said. “A couple of the old guys can’t march anymore. They do the teaching.”
“You enjoy music, you enjoy the brotherhood, come out, you know, join the band. It’s just a good organization. And it’s a good way to give back to your community,” Shelley said.
Copyright 2026 Gray Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
