THUNDER BAY -- Fifty years ago, the Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums began with two members playing at community events and police functions. Now in 2018, the group is celebrating their 50th anniversary by touring through communities in Northern Ontario.
In 1968, Provincial Constables Martin DeSilguy and Robert Stevens formed the Ontario Provincial Police pipes and Drums in Nipigon, Ont. Since then, the band slowly grew as existing officers and retirees of the OPP joined the group.
It wasn’t until six years later that the group became officially recognized and started performing before thousands of spectators across Canada and the United States during the 1970s and 80s.
In 1991, the group separated due to financial constraints. But, after three years, the band was able to regroup as the Commissioner’s Own OPP Pipes and Drums.
Now, 50 years later, a large crowd gathered outside the OPP headquarters on James Street to celebrate and listen to a performance from The Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums.
“It is a very proud piece of the OPP’s history and the engagement with the community… it’s not just about law enforcement,” Hawkes said.
The band has spent the last week travelling across Northern Ontario to showcase their sound.
Their last stop will take place at the Nipigon Red Rock District High School on Thursday, where they will play the bagpipes for the graduating class 50 years to the date of their first performance.
“Can you imagine those students who are a part of this heritage piece of the OPP?” Hawkes asked. “For me as commissioner, to be part of this is exceptional.”
“Traditionally in media, the good stories are going to be negative about policing,” Hawkes said. “But this is a prime example where there is a lot of positive things happening. This is a great way to do it.”
