In March 2022, the Fire Department ordered an East Village ladder company to remove a “red line” American flag commemorating their six brothers who died on 9/11. The order came after a neighborhood resident complained, calling the flag a “fascist symbol” and questioning its political implications. The complaint was made by a man claiming to work for Democratic Manhattan Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, who had received concerns from a constituent about the flag violating department rules.
The man approached the firehouse on his bicycle and demanded to know why the flag was still up, prompting the firefighters to receive a visit from FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Schiralli. Schiralli reluctantly informed the firefighters that the flag must be removed as it violated a department rule prohibiting altered versions of the American flag. This rule was implemented in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.
Outrage spread on social media following the removal of the flag, with many expressing support for the firefighters and their memorial. However, following further backlash, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Chief of Department John Hodgens reversed the decision and allowed the flag to be displayed on the firetruck once again. The firefighters expressed relief at the outcome but were offended that the flag had been ordered to be removed in the first place, given its significant meaning to them.
Ladder Company 11 displays the red line flag alongside a memorial for the six firefighters who died on 9/11, honoring their sacrifice. The firefighters expressed disappointment that Rivera’s office did not reach out to learn more about the flag before requesting its removal. Rivera, on the other hand, denied that her office contacted the ladder company directly and explained that they only inquired about the legality of political symbols following a constituent’s concerns.
Some FDNY members speculated that the controversy surrounding the flag was due to confusion between the red line flag honoring firefighters and the blue line flag usually displayed to honor police officers. Councilwoman Joann Ariola criticized the flag removal as an attack on the firefighters’ First Amendment rights. She expressed concerns about the increasing radicalism and censorship in American politics and called for respect for the freedoms of civil servants.
