Photo Credit: Gerald Nino

Special Agent Earl Phifer-Cottman, composer of "The Black Band and the Flag, A Requiem for Crimefighters, Firefighters, and Public Servants."

In the case of Special Agent Earl Phifer-Cottman, the connection with music goes much further. He recently fulfilled a lifelong ambition of creating a requiem - a specialized form of music honoring the dead - to recognize law enforcement officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty. Completed in 1998, Phifer-Cottman's requiem has been performed on several occasions.

Several years ago, he found a way to use his musical talents to address what he saw as a pressing need. "I had always respected the playing of 'Taps,'" he explains, "but was concerned that it was originally composed for the military and later adopted by police and firefighters. I thought there should be a piece of music that specifically honored the courageous law enforcement officers and firefighters who laid down their lives in the line of duty." Using his background in music, Agent Phifer-Cottman composed his requiem titled The Black Band and the Flag: A Requiem for a Crimefighter, Firefighter, and Public Servant.

"My hope is that hearing this music provides some closure for the family and comrades of the fallen individuals," says Phifer-Cottman. The black band of the title symbolizes the band worn over an officer or firefighter's badge when a colleague has died in the line of duty and the folded U.S. flag symbolizes that a grateful nation acknowledges the loss and sacrifice of the hero, the family, and colleagues.

This somber piece of music, alternately performed by four trumpeters, was first played officially in November 1998 at a policeman's funeral, and in 1999 at the Baltimore Police Memorial groundbreaking ceremony. Sadly, to date, this requiem had been performed at services for ten crimefighters, seven firefighters, and one public servant. It was also played for the Oklahoma City Memorial Board, and Phifer-Cottman has received honors and citations for the requiem from U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening, several city, county police chiefs, and other elected officials.

Says Special Agent-in-Charge, Baltimore, Allan J. Doody, "Special Agent Cottman has gone the extra mile by applying his musical talent to such an emotional and important issue to all law enforcement officers. His efforts reflect not only his personal dedication and commitment to his colleagues, they are also a credit to the U.S. Customs Service."