In response to an overwhelming community outreach, the Board of Fire Commissioners in conjunction with the Chiefs Office has decided to reverse its decision to remove the Blue Line Flag from our Rescue Truck.
Newsday had contacted our organization regarding a complaint levied by a community member who felt the blue line flag on our apparatus was offensive. While the initial decision to remove this flag was a difficult one, it was done in the “interest of harmony" in order to err on the side of caution. But in response to receiving hundreds of comments from concerned residents who were offended by its removal we have determined the best course of action is to return the flag to our rescue truck.
The blue line flag was first placed on the departments rescue truck on December 20, 2014 to honor NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were both assassinated while on duty sitting in their patrol car in Brooklyn. The Smithtown Fire Department wishes to honor the ultimate sacrifice these two officers made and express our support for our law enforcement partners. Today, we wish to note that our steadfast support of law enforcement has not changed and are proud we will continue to fly the blue line flag on our apparatus.
The flag will be reinstalled on its fire apparatus today and will be flown with pride, with its original intention and meaning in mind, where it will remain.
When I see a blm protester put on a uniform or volunteer for the PD or FD and stop burning cars, buildings, shooting Police Officers, looting businesses.......................
Nice job Nazi Smithtown. Use your power to make minorities in your neighborhood feel terror. They watched Blue Live and Trump flags kill police, and now we get to watch it fly at your location. Apalling behavior. Fly the American flag if you want to incite unity, Blue Lives Matter flag indicates you think Black Lives do not matter, as the Blue Lives Matter movement started in a direct response to Black Lives Matter Protests across this nation.
The only thing on taxpayer funded equipment should be an American flag.
I agree with the statement by faithlovehope12388. By returning the flag for display, it not only incites justified protest by Black Lives Matter, it brings in those seeking to counter BLM from towns distant from Smithtown, many seeking confrontation with the protestors. If Smthtown Fire Department insists on displaying the Thin Blue Line flag, I recommend that you add a Black Lives Matter Flag for display, if not on a vehicle, perhaps on a mast or Station Window.
Until then I am rethinking my annual contribution, despite my respect for your services, especially that of our volunteer community.
Should never have been removed! The majority of the public doesn't realize that the Thin Blue Line represents the line of defense by law enforcement against lawlessness.