
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Drum Major Phil Thompson on September 14, 2015. As a iconic member of the band, Phil joined in the 1970’s first as a member of the Color Guard and later as a Piper. In time he achieved the rank of Pipe Sgt. and then ultimately Drum Major, his true calling, when he took over after the passing of Finbar Devine, then the first and only Band Drum Major who had held the position for some 35 years. Phil had big shoes to fill and did it with great class and grace, leading the Band with the same pride and dignity as Finbar. When the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded it was more then obvious that Phil was born to lead our great Band. The world watched as we moved from funeral to funeral, to countless memorial services and to trips to Ground Zero to preform for the men and women working there who’s spirits needed to be lifted and Phil led with such stoic grace that he showed the world what the NYPD Pipe Band was all about. You filled those shoes Phil and may God Bless you for it. May you rest in peace and till we meet again say hi to the boys for us.