The Vancouver Police Pipe Band (VPPB) has received Vancouver’s Freedom of the City Award to recognize their exceptional service and contributions to the community. The honour is bestowed on an annual basis for recognition brought to the city by an individual or organization’s achievement.
The awards ceremony took place today in the Council Chamber at City Hall.
In honour of the event, members of the band played a tune on the steps of City Hall.
History of the VPD Pipe Band
The band’s humble beginning started in 1914 at the opening of the Vancouver Police Station at Cordova and Main Street. A handful of pipers within the Department had organized themselves to play for the opening ceremonies. Chief Constable Malcolm MacLennan was so impressed with the performance that he authorized the formation of a departmental pipe band.
The Vancouver Police Pipe Band is the oldest non-military pipe band in British Columbia, and ranks amongst the most senior police pipe bands in the world.
