What’s Up With The Kilts?

If you have seen Captain Wines and I at events across the Nation, or pictures of them, you have probably seen us in kilts at one point or another.

Our 2014 FDIC Itinerary is here

You might ask “What’s up with the kilts?”

Here is the answer…

530149_10150973320742849_566849573_nSeveral years ago, we were traveling to an event, I am not sure which one, and we were talking about all of the Pipes and Drums members in kilts. We said to ourselves “We have got to get a kilt”. We did…and we wore them.

Willie and I are recognizable, him moreso than me because of his epic mustache. Once we began getting requests to be in company’s booths at events, we decided to wear the kilts to stand out that much more. Trust me, when people see us, they want to know what is going on and who we are if they don’t already know. It is a great tool for getting people to recognize a booth and stop by to see what is going on.

Beyond that, we actually like wearing kilts. If you have never worn one, you are missing out. However, wearing kilts to the local mall might cause a little more attention that we want when we are out with our families.

If you would like to read about the history of bagpipes (and wearing kilts) in the fire service, check out this link.

Along the way, we occasionally get comments from firefighters about how they do not like the kilts. Oh well, you can’t make everyone happy.

1549205_227390004119489_2074201550_nWhat is interesting is that when we DON’T have kilts on, many ask us where they are.

This year at FDIC, we are going to change it up a little bit. Yes, you will probably see us in kilts at some point or another.

Over the years, I have heard from many other firefighters who say they need to get kilts. We have seen an increase in number of guys/gals wearing kilts outside of Pipes & Drums members.

Currently, we each have two kilts. One from Bunkerkilts.com and another from AltKilt.com.

We will see you in Indy!