Community commentsĪs you can imagine, this issue generated a lot of conversation on our Facebook page: The policy issue is a complex one, as the policy may prohibit display of political messages, yet many firefighters do not see the flags as political in nature. We certainly don't need any more unnecessary and predictable headlines.” Goldfeder was not surprised: “Once again, we learn about an issue that should be addressed by policy well ahead of the issue,” adding, “How does a chief know what policies to have? Can everything be ‘policied’? Of course not, but if you read about a national headline-making event impacting another fire department or chief, consider that a ‘tap on the shoulder’ to determine if your organization has (or needs) a policy addressing that specific issue. Most of the departments that do have policies are career departments. Our survey revealed that only 35% of respondents said their department has a policy that relates to the display of flags, decals and emblems, while 50% said they do NOT have a policy in place and 15% were unsure. They note that the flags violate policies that forbid displaying political messages on government property. In many of the news reports we’ve seen about this issue, departments and cities that have ordered the removal of the thin line flags have done so citing the policy piece. If you want to show support with a thin red line on a black or other color background to show support for our fallen and our solidarity, I could get behind that, but not the United States flag.”ĭeputy Chief Billy Goldfeder underscored the need to remember that these are not “our” fire trucks: “They were paid for by, and essentially belong to, everyone in the community, so if there is a chance that our good intentions of support could be perceived as a negative action or statement, (especially these days) why not avoid that?” Policies and procedures The symbolism of the original 13 colonies made by those 13 red and white stripes is a powerful connection to our nation’s founding. A staunch constitutional and code supporter, Bashoor found himself agreeing with the 68% of respondents, underscoring that, to him, the flag code is clear in that no other colors should adorn the flag: “If you’re going to allow any alteration, then you’d have to allow all of them.
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