DEA Black and Gold Pipes and Drums Celebrate 25 Years
DEA Headquarters
As DEA honors Police Week 2026, we also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the time-honored tradition of the DEA Black and Gold Pipes and Drums.
This esteemed group was established in 2001. After learning non-DEA employees were performing at sacred events such as the DEA Memorial Service, six DEA Special Agents took it upon themselves to assemble a team of our own to perform this important duty. Their first performance was at the 2002 DEA Memorial Service, and they have returned every year since.
While blue uniforms and gold badges are most commonly associated with law enforcement, the founders chose to honor the original DEA raid jacket - a black jacket with a gold badge - hence the name DEA Black and Gold Pipes and Drums.
Pipes and drums in law enforcement are a long-standing tradition, stemming from Irish and Scottish immigrant officers who honored fallen colleagues with music. The tune “Amazing Grace,” which is played at every DEA Memorial Service to provide comfort, hope, and peace, is often the first tune bagpipers learn to play.
Since its inception, the Black and Gold Pipes and Drums has grown to include nearly thirty active and retired DEA employees and Task Force Officers, led by three Pipe Majors.
DEA’s Black and Gold embody the very essence of this agency: men and women located across the country, ready at a moment’s notice to come together in a time of need or tragedy.
In addition to the DEA’s annual Memorial Service, the DEA Black and Gold Pipes and Drums perform at retirements, survivor benefit functions, cross-agency events - including functions for the Office of the U.S. Attorney General - and line-of-duty funerals.
For 25 years, guests have looked to DEA’s Black and Gold to punctuate, to direct, and guide the flow of ceremonies.
DEA Black and Gold Pipes and Drums is made up of employees of all ranks and positions throughout the agency who are in high standing within the agency, honor the tradition, and represent the very best in drug enforcement.
As we mark this milestone anniversary, we honor not only the music, but the unwavering commitment, compassion, and unity that the Black and Gold Pipes and Drums bring to the DEA family and the law enforcement community. Their service reminds us that in times of both sorrow and remembrance, we stand together, bound by tradition, respect and the enduring spirit of those who serve.