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Since 1824, twenty-nine honored Americans have lain in state or in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, including Abraham Lincoln, General John Joseph "Blackjack" Pershing, John F. Kennedy, and, recently, two United States Capitol Police Officers. These were Officers Jacob Joseph Chestnut and John Michael Gibson, killed in the line of duty on July 24, 1998.

Until their memorial service, over the 175-year life of the tradition, a musical performance had never been authorized during the tribute in the Capitol. Yet during the ceremony for Officers Chestnut and Gibson, four police pipers were allowed to enter the Rotunda and pay tribute. NJSP Pipe Sergeant Douglas Heath took charge of this detail, leading the way into history.

The New Jersey State Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold have been distinguished by their high standard of conduct, dedication to public service, and their fundamental commitment to serve the ceremonial needs of the State Police and the State of New Jersey. The band is a non-profit, charitable organization known for its commitment to tradition and volunteerism.

Founded by Detective Sergeant First Class Joseph Keely in February of 1986, the band has a history rich in pride and perseverance. DSFC Keely, a former Marine and a Vietnam Veteran with two combat tours, organized a meeting in '86 for those interested in joining a pipe band. To his surprise, eighteen Troopers came to the meeting.

Colonel Clinton Pagano, delighted with the response, gave his permission to DSFC Keely to press on with the formation of a ceremonial unit. With that, the New Jersey State Police Pipe Band came into being, the first band of its kind in the country.

Within six months, the band had grown to over 20 members strong, and it became clear that DSFC Keely needed help tutoring novice pipers and drummers. He recruited three competent members of other pipe bands: William Mair, a world class performer and drum instructor; Joe McConville, a decorated Marine veteran of World War II and one of New Jersey's best known Pipes; and John Ruane, a piper for over 40 years with a deep regard for the Outfit, whose passing the band still mourns.

The band's official debut in 1987, at the Trenton Saint Patrick's Day Parade, featured only three tunes: the only three that they knew. Even so, the band came home with the "Best Pipe Band" trophy. As Keely pointed out, "See, you might hit the street with only three tunes, but if you play 'em right, you'll sound like the best band in the parade!"

Since that day, the band has grown into a nationally renowned organization, with some of its most memorable performances given for charitable organizations and state ceremonies. Three charities with whom the band has associated especially closely are the Survivors of the Triangle, the Buczek Foundation, and the NJ Special Olympics.

The band is self supportive and not funded by the State Police. They rely on the proceeds from their fundraisers to carry on the dream of Detective Sergeant First Class Joseph Keely.