Public Enraged Over FDNY Firefighters Being Told To Remove A 9/11 Tribute Flag 

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has encountered significant criticism after a ladder company in the East Village was told to remove an American flag with a red line. The flag was a tribute flag for firefighters that lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The instruction followed a complaint that labeled the flag as a potentially “politically charged symbol.” 

Inquiry 

A staff member from Councilwoman Rivera’s office asked the FDNY about the flag, claiming to be concerned about the possibility of it being an unauthorized political symbol.  

The investigation highlighted the complexity of using certain symbols on public property, igniting debate about what is appropriate for display on public vehicles.    

Community Complaint 

A report from The New York Post showed that the situation escalated when an individual who claimed to be a staffer for Democratic Manhattan Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, approached firefighters at Ladder Co. 11.  

The individual rode up on a bicycle and voiced concerns about the flag, suggesting that it was a “fascist symbol.”  

Internal Guidelines Of The FDNY

The FDNY has specific regulations that clearly state it is against policy to display altered versions of the American flag on their equipment. This policy was established in 2020 during a period of heightened social and political tension. 

This rule earned its spotlight in the debate arena, as the department struggled with honoring fallen firefighters while adhering to its own regulations.

Backlash 

The choice to remove the flag was met with significant public outrage, especially on social media platforms.

Rogan O’Handley, an Influencer Rogan highlighted the issue by posting a photo of the flag with a caption that showcased the removal of the 9/11 memorial, igniting a broader discussion about  the significance of such symbols in New York City’s collective memory.

Order Of Removal 

Joseph Schiralli, the Deputy Chief, while visiting the firehouse, handed over the order to remove the flag, citing a violation of department policy against altered flags.

Despite the fact that he agreed with the firefighters on the significance of the flag, Schiralli emphasized the importance of complying with the guidelines that exists.  

Reinstating The Flag 

After the backlash, high-ranking FDNY officials, including Commissioner Kavanagh and Chief of Department John Hodgens, reversed the removal order. 

This decision came as relief to many people, but also instigated reflections on the initial decision to remove the flag, its consequences, and the processes leading to such decisions within the FDNY.

Asking For Understanding 

Firefighters voiced their need for those who questioned the flag to be more open to the reasoning behind it.   

They suggested a discussion about the flag and its significance.

The Importance Of The Flag

The red line flag was on display alongside a memorial on the fire truck, honoring the six firefighters from Ladder Company 11 who died on 9/11. 

This flag’s presence next to the memorial illustrated its significance to the firefighters and the broader community as a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.  

Response From Councilwoman Rivera

Councilwoman Rivera responded to the controversy by stating her office never directly contacted Ladder Co. 11 regarding the flag.  

She clarified that reaching out to the FDNY was a response to a constituent’s inquiry about the flag’s legality. She noted her continued support for the fire department, citing significant funding allocated to improve the firehouse’s facilities.

Restored Flag To Ladder Co. 11

The dispute surrounding the red line flag at Ladder Co. 11 unveils a deep seeded tension in regards to the memory, honor, and public symbolism.

While the flag was ultimately restored , the incident invites ongoing discussion about how communities and institutions honor service and sacrifice within the bounds of policy and public perception. 

Reactions From Political And Community Leaders

This incident caused reactions from multiple political and community leaders. The controversy reflects the bigger debates about symbolism, the role of public servants, and the expression of values in public spaces. 

Councilwoman Joann Ariola criticized the flag’s removal as an assault on First Amendment rights, underscoring the situation’s broader political and social consequences.  

2016 Order To Remove Flags 

Although upsetting, this incident is not unique, in 2016 an order was issued to remove American flags from fire trucks.  

A fire department In upstate New York was given a directive from the commissioners to remove the United States flags that were mounted on their fire trucks. This decision was attributed to concerns over “liability” for firefighters and other motorists.

Symbols Of Patriotism 

Although the flags were taken down it was noted that patriotic decals on the fire trucks were not subject to the same order.  

Chief Gallante expressed that the decision was specifically targeted at flags, which left other forms of patriotic display, such as decals, unaffected. 

Community’s Response 

Following the order, approximately 50 firefighters, veterans, and community members gathered for an impromptu ceremony to respectfully take down the flags.

Chief Gallante expressed his disappointment and stated, “Obviously, I was disappointed with their directive.” 

Union’s Effort For Showcasing The Flag 

The Arlington Professional Firefighters Association had approached Chief Gallante with a proposal to mount United States flags on the fire trucks months prior to this incident, and even offered to take on the cost.  

Gallante approved the idea with the condition of the flags being securely attached, well-maintained, and kept clean. 

Restoring A Tradition Of Patriotism

The choice to reattach the flags stemmed from a desire to restore a tradition and express solidarity with the nation, especially during turbulent times. 

President of the Arlington Professional Firefighters Association, Joseph Tarquinio said, “So with everything going on in the country, we thought it was time. It was our way to show support—not for one particular sect but for the nation as a whole.” 

Flag Maintenance And Specifications

The union meticulously ensured the flags’ durability and visibility, choosing 3-by-5-foot flags designed to withstand high winds. 

A fire station mechanic was given the task of properly installing the flags, indicating a thoughtful and careful approach to integrating the flags into the fire department’s daily operations.  

Commissioners’ Liability Concerns

The removal order was prompted by liability concerns from three out of the five commissioners. 

The concern of liability, deemed by Tarquinio as “a gross overstatement.” 

The Debate Escalates 

At a rally in the Arlington Fire District, Frank Basso, one of the commissioners, voiced his opinion on the situation, stressing the need for clear guidelines during emergency responses. 

Basso said, “In the course of responding to an emergency, I don’t believe it’s appropriate to have a flag on a fire truck,” “It’s as simple as that. The rules are very simple. You can do this and you can’t do that. When you’re responding to an emergency, it’s an emergency vehicle.” 

Support And Backlash From The Community 

The fire department received an unbelievable amount of outpouring from the community, with multiple phone calls and emails from veterans and other community members expressing their opposition to the commissioners’ order. 

This response of support emphasized the symbolic importance of the flags to the community.  

Removal Of The Flag

Contemplating these two incidents that involved the removal of the flags from the trucks, it’s apparent that they encompass a broader dialogue about patriotism, respect, and public sentiment.

These incidents, occurring from various contexts and communities, underscore the intricate balance between honoring national tragedies and navigating the differing interpretations of displaying flags.

Public Reaction To The Flag Being Removed  

The instruction to take down the flags ignited a robust debate among the Arlington Fire District and its surrounding community.

The ensuing support for the flags, prompting phone calls, emails, and a planned rally, reflected a widespread belief in the importance of national symbols in nurturing unity.