Arlington Fire Department Ordered To Remove American Flags From Trucks

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- A public backlash, a Change.org petition, and a fire department and board of commissioners at odds are all connected to the order on Tuesday to remove American flags from three Arlington Fire Department trucks.

The Arlington Fire District was ordered to remove the American flag from the back of its trucks.
Photo Credit: *Supporters of Arlington Fire/Facebook/Michael Skapetis*

K Reakes

08/17/2016 3:12 p.m.

Now in the wake of the decision by the Arlington Board of Fire Commissioners to remove the flags for safety reasons, Jim Beretta, the chairman of the Arlington Fire District board is ready to sit down and talk with Arlington Fire Chief Tory Gallante to discuss the matter, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Gallante said that he was disappointed with the order, but the flags were removed during a special ceremony. Beretta said the board had not been consulted before the flags were mounted on the trucks and that the majority felt they were a liability, said the Poughkeepsie Journal.

The flags were added to the trucks at the request of the union. Union President Joseph Tarquinio said he's disappointed in the board's decision, added the Poughkeepsie Journal.

During the board's vote, two voted in favor of the flags, and three voted against, said the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Online, residents and fellow firefighters have expressed their support for the flags and have started a Change.org petition which has 957 votes in favor of the flags to date. In addition, a rally will be held in support of the flags at noon Saturday, Aug. 20 at Arlington's Croft Corners Fire Company station on Spackenkill Road, the Journal said.

Click here to read the Poughkeepsie Journal story.

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