Queens councilwoman Joann Ariola has launched a campaign to supply firehouses and police precincts in New York City with thin “red-line” and “blue-line” American flags. This initiative was prompted by leftists calling these flags fascist symbols. Since starting her campaign two weeks ago, Ariola has collected 53 of these tribute flags from generous New Yorkers and has already delivered blue-line flags to five Queens police precincts and red-line flags to four Queens firehouses.
Ariola stated that the purpose of this campaign is to show support for first responders and let them know that the people of the city stand behind them. She believes that leftist activists are trying to turn the public against first responders and create chaos in the city. This campaign is meant to counter those efforts and demonstrate solidarity with the men and women who risk their lives to protect the community.
The campaign was initiated in response to a report about an FDNY deputy chief ordering the removal of a “red line” American flag from an East Village ladder company that was honoring the squad’s six members who were killed on 9/11. The decision to remove the flag came after a local resident deemed it fascist and a councilwoman questioned whether it was a politically charged symbol. However, the FDNY later reversed its decision following public outrage over the flag removal.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has expressed her unequivocal support for firefighters displaying the redline flags, recognizing that they honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect the city. The Police Department does not have rules prohibiting blue-line flags on NYPD property, and several commanding officers in Queens have accepted these flags to honor fallen and injured police officers. Ariola plans to expand the distribution of these flags across the city in the future.
Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, who raised concerns about the redline flag at Ladder Co. 11, has a history of being critical of law enforcement. Rivera previously voted to defund the NYPD by $1 billion in 2020 and has spoken out against police officers during the Black Lives Matter protests. Despite her actions, Rivera has stated that she has a strong relationship with the firehouse and only reached out to the FDNY about the tribute flag in response to a constituent complaint.
Overall, the campaign led by Councilwoman Joann Ariola to provide red-line and blue-line American flags to firehouses and police precincts in New York City is an effort to show support for first responders and counter leftist activism that seeks to undermine the role of law enforcement. The campaign has received positive responses from both the fire and police departments, with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh expressing support for the tribute flags. Despite some opposition from individuals like Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, the campaign aims to demonstrate solidarity with those who serve the city and protect its residents.
