Willie Donohue

New York City police Detective Willie Donohue uses Pipeline for supplies, lessons, and troubleshooting.

"I get everything I need from Gerry," says Donohue, who took up piping to embrace his Irish roots and enjoy the camaraderie of his fellow NYPD Pipe & Drum Band members.

A third child on the way has recently kept Donohue from making weekly treks from his Long Island home to Rooney's store for lessons.But the phone helps keeps student and teacher in touch.

"I can just call Gerry and he'll tell me to fiddle with this or that," Donohue says.