Midnight Piper performs 'Amazing Grace' at Olmsted County Government Center for National Law Enforcement Memorial Day
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May 15—Former Rochester Police Sergeant Steve Franks stood underneath the flags at the Olmsted County Government Center, dressed in a kilt and holding a bagpipe in his arms to perform 'Amazing Grace' at midnight.
His performance as the 'Midnight Piper' was to kick off National Law Enforcement Memorial Day on Saturday. The event featured him and a combination of Rochester police officers and Olmsted County Sheriff's deputies, along with a few spectators, watching from a distance as Franks performed three verses of the song.
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The Midnight Piper has taken place nationwide for several decades, originating with the Chicago Police Department in 1994 and now making its first appearance in Rochester this year.
The performer has historically always played 'Amazing Grace' at either memorials or in front of law enforcement agencies at midnight to honor fallen officers and survivor families and friends.
"My guess it's going to continue every year because that was really cool," Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgenson said.
As Franks reached the conclusion of his performance, he began walking off into the distance, passing by officers and deputies as he went by before the bagpipes slowly became mute.
