The FDNY Emergency Medical Service bagpipers have won an official spot in Monday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade after days of behind-the-scenes wrangling, The Post has learned.
Being included was no easy feat for the 2-year-old pipe band – which marched with the FDNY contingent last year despite officially being denied a spot.
“I’m certainly happy I can march with my band,” said Pat Bahnken, president of the EMTs union, adding he was grateful for the parade committee’s consideration.
Last year, the whole FDNY’s start time in the parade was moved back two hours because event organizers said firefighters had allowed unauthorized marchers into their contingent.
In January, the parade committee decided to allow the FDNY back in front with the NYPD and New York National Guard’s Fighting 69th.