Fire department flags mark events, and sometimes stir up controversy

by James Breig

With American flags waving and their own department banners unfurled, firehouses in New York State have often marked major moments in their histories. Those flags have also, at times, caused controversy.

Fire Deaths

A melancholy example of the use of Old Glory and fire department flags dates back to 1854, when several firemen died in their efforts to put out a conflagration. The New York Times recorded that “throughout the day, the City flag and the flags of the various fire companies were displayed at half-mast” to honor the fallen.

“We mingle our grief with that of the relatives in their mournful bereavement,” said a resolution from the fire department, “and assure them of a firemen’s heartfelt sympathy.”

New Firehouse Banner

In 1896, 120 years ago, the Yonkers (NY) Fire Department was formed. The town council resolved to move from an all-volunteer force to one that included paid firefighters, and to purchase modern equipment and install more alarms throughout the city.

That October, the YFD took part in a Columbus Day parade and marched with its first fire department flag.

The current YFD flag includes the images of two banners on it: the American flag as well as the earlier and simpler fire flag, which contained just the initials “YFD” on a fiery red background.

Controversies

The city fire company in Albany, New York, recently changed its old logo to sidestep a new controversy. The alteration, made in 2014, removed the Confederate flag from the logo because the Stars and Bars has become increasingly controversial in recent times.

The logo had showed both the American flag and the rebel banner on opposite sides of the departmental seal. The southern flag was used only as a symbol of the rebellious nature of the firefighters, according to a spokesman, and not as a salute to secession or slavery. Nevertheless, the flag was consigned to history.

This year, several fire departments and Fire Watch Guards Near Me in were ordered by fire commissioners to remove American flags that flew on flagstaffs from their vehicles. Added to many trucks after 9/11, the flags were seen by some as a possible hindrance to firefighting.

The order was carried out, but not without disputes and hard feelings. Said one fireman, “Obviously, I was very upset with the…directive, as was the department personnel.” A union official observed, “It’s…a little patriotism at a time when the country needs it. That’s it: supporting the country and everybody in it.”