Top brass at the FDNY received a complaint from Democratic Councilwoman Carlina Rivera’s office regarding a “Thin Red Line” flag displayed by Ladder Co. 11 in the East Village. The constituent was concerned that the flag was too “politically charged” and questioned if it violated department rules. The flag, intended to show solidarity with firefighters, is a variation of the “thin blue line” flag that symbolizes support for police officers. In 2020, then-Commissioner Daniel Nigro banned thin red line flags from being flown on trucks due to violations of department rules on “altered” versions of U.S. flags.
FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Schiralli instructed the firefighters at the firehouse to remove the thin red line flag following the complaint. Despite reportedly agreeing that it was “ridiculous” to have to do so, he made the decision as a result of the complaint received. This move caused uproar on social media, with some criticizing the decision and expressing support for the firefighters who were forced to take down the flag that was displayed in memory of fallen firefighters, particularly those who lost their lives during 9/11.
Councilwoman Rivera clarified that her office did not contact Ladder Co. 11 directly about the issue, and the complaint originated from a constituent rather than one of her staff members. A spokesman for the FDNY stated that the complaint came from a local elected official’s office expressing concerns about the flag on the fire truck being deemed as inappropriate. Despite the criticism and backlash over the decision to remove the flag, the Chief Department and Fire Commissioner approved the flag to be flown from the truck after reviewing the complaint.
The thin red line flag controversy comes in a broader context of heightened tensions over political symbols and movements related to law enforcement and emergency services. The original thin blue line flag gained prominence in response to movements aiming to defund the police following the death of George Floyd in police custody. This led to debates over the use of symbols and flags on public vehicles, with concerns about potentially violating department rules and regulations governing the display of political symbols.
The removal of the thin red line flag from Ladder Co. 11 highlights the challenges faced by first responders and their efforts to honor and commemorate fallen colleagues. The decision to take down the flag, despite internal disagreement and external criticism, reflects the complex interactions between public representatives, government agencies, and community members in addressing issues related to political symbols and expressions. The incident underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and communication in navigating sensitive matters related to symbolic gestures and their impact on public perception and policy compliance.
