The Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside the Chiefs Office, has decided to reverse its earlier decision to remove the Blue Line Flag from a rescue truck. This change comes after extensive feedback from the community.
The initial removal followed a complaint from a resident who found the flag offensive. The board's original decision aimed at maintaining "interest of harmony" and was made cautiously. However, after receiving numerous comments from residents upset by the flag's removal, officials decided to reinstall it on the truck.
The Blue Line Flag was first placed on the department's rescue vehicle on December 20, 2014. It was intended to honor NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were killed while on duty in Brooklyn. The Smithtown Fire Department emphasizes its continued support for law enforcement and acknowledges the sacrifice made by these officers.
"The Smithtown Fire Department wishes to honor the ultimate sacrifice these two officers made and express our support for our law enforcement partners," said a spokesperson for the department. They confirmed that their commitment to supporting law enforcement remains unchanged.
The flag will be reinstalled today and will continue to be displayed with its original purpose in mind.