Why bagpipes at law enforcement funerals?

Question

When and why did it become traditional to play bagpipes at law enforcement officer funerals, even when the deceased is not Scottish or Irish?

Answer 1

Law enforcement officers as well as the fire department used to be largely made up of Irish immigrants. That is why the bagpipes are always played. You see it a lot at Irish funerals as well. Sometimes, the tinwhistle. Old traditions die hard.

Answer 2

It originated from the Irish and Scottish who were mostly Firemen and Policemen when they first arrived in the USA. They took on hazardous jobs and when they died, the bagpipes were played. They have such a haunting and mournful sound that they just caught on.

Here is a better piece of history on how and why:

http://www.nassaufirepipes.com/why_bagpipes.htm

Answer 3

both instruments oftentimes modern-day in Scottish and Irish villages grow to be the harp and the pipes. The pipes were more suitable acceptable for weddings, funerals, and dances. The custom discovered the pond and when you consider that the police and fireplace departments had a variety of of Irish and Scottish immigrants in the ranks, the pipes were performed on the funerals.

Answer 4

In the early days of our country many police officers (and firemen) were immigrants of Celtic (Irish/Scottish) origins.

It has become tradition.

Answer 5

The bagpipes were supposedly invented by the Irish, who after a few years, gave them to the Scots and told them they were a musical instrument.

Answer 6

It represents all the hot air that the deceased blew all of his previous life.

Answer 7

because it sounds better than a brass band ensemble

Answer 8

because all cops blow