The pipes are calling for community support since the Coeur d’Alene Firefighter Pipes and Drum Band seek to honor fallen firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood on a national platform.   

Band quartermaster Chris Kieres said the group is raising money to got to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Mary. in May and the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colo. in September. 

“The city helps support the band as a function of the honor guard, but the city can’t fund to send community members to these events,” Kieres said. “We maintain a modest bank account that helps pay for uniforms, instruments. They’re not cheap and they’re even less cheap to maintain.” 

In order for between six and seven members of the band to travel for the events to represent North Idaho firefighters, the group needs to raise about $15,000. 

However, the family of a Timberlake Fire Protection District firefighter has already contributed $5,000 towards the cause. 

When asked why she and her family wanted to step up to help, Stacie Ramsay’s eyes filled up with tears when talking about her father.   

“There were a lot of people who didn’t come to my dad’s memorial because it was in the middle of COVID-19. During COVID, we didn’t go anywhere,” Stacie said. “Even at the funeral home, there was no touching.”

Bill Wright was a division chief with Timberlake Fire and died Dec. 24, 2021 due to illness he received in the line of duty.  

Wright had started out as a volunteer firefighter more than two decades ago, eventually became an EMT and worked his way up to division chief.   

“These guys were there for Bill and I think we need to be there for them,” Stacie’s husband, Al Ramsay said.  

His reputation was one of protecting and nurturing those around him and he could be found at the Timberlake Fire station most of the time between breakfast and bedtime, Stacie recalled.   

Wright’s grandson, Northside firefighter Tanner Wright, found about the band’s fundraiser to travel to honor fallen firefighters from North Idaho and shared the news with his family. 

“If my grandpa was still around, he’d be doing the same thing,” Tanner said.    

Kieres remembered Bill Wright as a man who stepped up as a leader when he was needed. "He was guiding a very young department and was a de facto leader who got thrust into this position,” Kieres said.

The Pipes and Drum Band will be honoring him as well as Morrison and Harwood by continuing to honor North Idaho firefighters. 

Pipe Major Jessica Bryant noted that about 152 pipers and drummers came to Coeur d’Alene for the funerals of Harwood and Morrison.   

“People were surprised at how many people travelled how far, we had members from Miami, Ohio, Canada to our memorial,” Kieres said. "There's maybe two times out of the year when you’ll see that many pipers and drummers in one place.”   

To help the band, donations can be made at cdaffpd.org.

    William "Bill" Wright's fire gear is carried out during the final procession at his memorial service at North Idaho College.