The Minnesota Police Pipe Band (MPPB) is a nationally recognized competition and performance bagpipe band based in the Twin Cities. The band was established in 1963 and is affiliated with both the Emerald Society of Minnesota and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. In addition to numerous performances and competitions, throughout the country and internationally, the band is responsible for performing at line of duty officer funerals throughout the state.
Historically, Minnesota Law enforcement has honored the loss of fallen officers to line of duty deaths on National Law Enforcement Day, May 15. This commemoration takes place at a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State Capitol. The pipers and drummers have performed at this event for over two decades, with both an entire band performance and a piper who performs Amazing Grace at midnight the start of May 15. This is also a national tradition that takes place in Washington, D.C. and across the county. Due to COVID, both these events were cancelled nationwide.
Due to the cancellation of the Minnesota event last year, the pipe band sent volunteer pipers and drummers to many police stations and sheriff offices last year on May 14 to have midnight pipers play Amazing Grace at the stroke of midnight… the start of May 15. Again this year our state event has been cancelled due to COVID. MPPB in conjunction with other pipe bands from across Minnesota sent pipers and drummers to agencies across the state to honor this tradition.
Piper Michael McCoy, above center, joined with law enforcement from both the Preston Police Department and Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office in a National Law Enforcement Day commemoration in Preston this year. To his right, Preston Police Officer Cale Stensgard and Deputy Dalton Bellock. To his left, Preston Police Sergeant Tim Melver and Fillmore County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jessy Betts.
Special thanks to Sheriff John DeGeorge, Chief Blaise Sass and Sergeant Tim Melver for coordinating this year’s event!
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