SEMINOLE – The city will soon be installing brackets on its fire department vehicles, which will allow the proper flying of the U.S. flag.
The issue came to a head July 13 when the city received a complaint that a fire engine from Station 29, located at 113th Street and 70th Avenue, was going to a call with a flag flying incorrectly on a small pole out of a side window.
Fire Chief George Bessler said the firefighters flying the flag had good intentions but it violated the U.S. Code for flying a United States flag.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Bessler. “The majority of Americans don’t understand the U.S. Code, which is borne out of the U.S. Constitution.”
According to Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 175, paragraph (b) of the U.S. Code, Bessler said, a flag can be flown on a vehicle only if it is attached to the chassis or on the right front fender.
Bessler said he instituted a policy about eight months ago that banned incorrect flying of a U.S. flag from the rear of a fire engine. At the same time he requested proposals for flying a flag from firefighters that would be in compliance with the U.S. code.
Bessler said he never received a proposal from the firefighters or any employee of the fire department.
The new stainless steel brackets are being designed and forged by city workers.
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