Please read the letter that we wrote to the Mayor and Board of Trustees in response to a letter that the Mayor sent to residents stating his personal opinion and misinformation about the flag in question. We wholeheartedly believe there is nothing pollical, racist or derogatory about the red/blue line flag we are flying on our Engine, at least not on our end. To us the flag is a way to memorialize those police officers and firemen/women that die in the line of duty. We lost quite a few first responders already this year in NY alone and it takes a toll on each and every one of us. Let us mourn those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

It appears as though a decision was made by the board without knowing what they were deciding on. We are asking for a discussion along with factual information to be given to the members before a decision that effects the villages first responders is made.

"The thin red line flag was developed to show support and solidarity with fire service personnel and to honor injured or fallen firefighters." - firerescue1.com

"The rich and deep symbolism of the thin blue line, and the flag on which it appears, is not a flag of defiance. It is not part of a battle cry by police officers of aggression toward the public or those who oppose law and order. It is not a flag pronouncing superiority of class or privilege. It is a symbol to the citizenry that the thin blue line will not be broken. When it appears it says of the bearer that they support the concept of justice and reason, as well as the strength of the law as enforced by those entrusted to do so. For a police officer, it says they are a part of something bigger than themselves. For the civilian, it says they are willing to stand with those who join in everyone’s responsibility to maintain peace and those whose vocation is dedicated to maintaining peace." - NationalPolice.Org

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