Idaho firefighters play historic gig; Gem state first responders march in inauguration parade
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Eric Fink has the details Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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It's become as traditional as taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day.
The inauguration parade includes performances from select Americans representing each of the 50 states.
"It is so cool representing Idaho," Capt. Rob Shoplock with the Eagle Fire Department said. Shoplock is a member of the Idaho Firefighters Pipes and Drums Corps.
"I can't believe no one put into do this," Shoplock . They [parade coordinators] had 2,000 entries to do this and they only pick 140 or 150 entries in the parade."
The 27 first responders who make up the Gem state Idaho Firefighters Pipes and Drums Corps. were late additions to the lineup. With only days to go before Monday's festivities Idaho did not have inauguration representation.
After accepting the humbling call to partake in the parade Jan. 11, the firefighters put their bagpipes and the weight of our state on their shoulders, carrying more than their instruments on the historic 1.5 mile march down Pennsylvania Ave.
After getting to Washington D.C. Saturday morning, thee firefighters from the (208) needed little introduction.
"Apparently there was some article written here in Washington that had to do with firefighters from Idaho," Shoplock said. "The first night we were in D.C., If we had fire shirts, people were asking us if we were the band from Idaho that was coming here to play."
They played for President Obama in the afternoon and secured tickets to one of the ball in the evening.
An amazing experience for more than two dozen firefighters, who, when their nation called, came on duty.
"Oh, this is biggest honor of my life," Shoplock said. "It's huge."
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