US

Florida Fire Chief Responds: American Flags Will Be Flying by the End of the Week

Seminole, Florida Fire Chief George Bessler: American Flags Will Be Flying By the End of the Week, All a Misunderstanding

(Photo: Screen Shot)

Last week, a Florida fire station rocketed to national attention after the firefighters were ordered to remove their American flags from the trucks.

A small group of protesters energetically waved their own flags outside, one declaring: “My goal today is that they say, ‘yes the flags are going back on the trucks, yes we have a solution.’”

(Related: ‘Betrayed’: Floridians Protest After Firefighters Ordered to Remove American Flags From Their Trucks)

At the time, the local Fox affiliate, WTVT-TV reported that the city was trying to be “sensitive” about the proper display of the American flag, after getting in touch with a spokesperson for Seminole Fire and Rescue.

Off-camera, fire fighters allegedly explained that it was really two complaints that likely prompted the order.

Now, after being contacted by countless people from all across the country, the Seminole Fire Chief is both saying that it was all a big misunderstanding, and that American flags will be up and flying once more by the end of the week.

According to the fire chief, the reported “sensitivity” was only regarding proper compliance with U.S. Code.

Fox 13/WTVT-TV has more information:

The Blaze asked the Fire Chief, George Bessler, a few questions over email to get to the heart of the matter:

1) Why were firemen reportedly talking off-camera about how it was really complaints that got the flags removed, and not appropriate adherence with US Code?  

I do not know what the off duty firefighters said in interviews. I will tell you that on March 28th, our District Chiefs were informed of the US Code [requirements] for flying flags properly in writing through a department email. That email was initiated from a previous complainant who told us we were not complying with the US Code and [were] being disrespectful. We investigated the US Code and confirmed the complainant to be correct. The Complainant only requested we comply with the US Code and fly the flags in a respectful manner. He never said he objected to flags being flown. So if what you said the off duty firefighters stated was correct, the Firefighters were partially correct that a complaint was received. They were however not correct about the reason for the complaint…

2) If the request to remove flags was really out of great respect, then why not ask for them to be properly mounted, rather than removed, originally?

We did just that. On April 9th, the Command Staff of the Fire department met and discussed the issue. It was decided to send this issue to the fire department Operations Advisory Committee which is an active committee made up of fire department employees, to provide a recommendation on how our department could mount the flags and be in US Code compliance. Unfortunately, to date, the Operations Advisory Committee never provided a recommendation. In light of the recent events, I took the project out of their hands and formulated a plan with our fleet maintenance division to fabricate a system that would comply with the US Code.

3) Earlier reports indicated that the city had a lot to do with getting the flags removed.  Do you have to get any kind of city approval before putting the new flags up?  How has the city reacted to the news that you will be once again flying American flags from your trucks?

If by City you mean me, it was my direction to remove the car flag from the engine until flags could be reinstalled on all vehicles to met the code (waiting on the Operations Advisory Committee). Our correspondence dating back to March 28th and April 9th confirm those facts. Our city has always supported flying American flags from our fire apparatus as long as they are respectfully displayed in accordance with the US Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 175, paragraph b. regarding the proper way to display a flag on a vehicle. No additional permission was required.

I am proud to tell you the vehicle flags are being installed starting [Thursday] at 0930, will be completed on all vehicles by the end of this Friday, and will be in complete accordance to the US Code. Further, all of our fire stations have always flown American flags 24/7 from poles that are lit at night, as well as all city buildings. We wear the American flag emblem on our uniforms, we have an active city supported fire department honor guard that participates in community events, and all council meetings start with the Pledge of allegiance. Our city has never been approached with a request not to fly our flags. Just the opposite, if we fail to see that one of our flags is torn, we get calls to replace it. We receive flags for our fire stations from Congressman Young’s Office. Does that sound like a city that bows to the sensitivity of 2 complaints? [sic]

The Tampa Bay Times relates: “Despite the turmoil, Bessler said he sees some good in the situation. One is that Seminole‘s firefighters know they’re supported. Another is that people are now more aware of the proper way to display the flag.”

Comments (64)

1 2
  • Steve Crisp
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 2:06am

    I have three flagpoles in front of my house. The center one at 25′ proudly flies the American flag on top and the Confederate battle flag underneath it. The 20‘ pole on the left flies the State of Israel flag and the matching 20’ on the right flies the Christian flag.

    All four of them stay aloft 24 hours a day regardless of weather, darkness, or other conditions. The only exception to that is on Memorial Day and 9/11 when all but the American flag come down and Old Glory is flown at half-staff. I also flew the American flag at half-staff in memory of Ronald Reagan and Jesse Helms when they died.

    When they get worn, I replace them. I throw them in the garbage because when they are not flying, they are just pieces of cloth. They are not lit at night because they represent nations and beliefs that are independent of day or night, dry or wet, hot or cold. They exist in a world that assaults them constantly, but they continue to fly strong regardless of adversity. I don’t expect pampering in my own life; how much less should I ask of my nation, my religion, our ally, and our heritage?

    It is actually a thrill to see my American flag flying high after a major storm. Its survival and persistence mirrors our own nation.

    Many people have complained over the years about the flags I fly. That’s their problem. They are not going anywhere.

    Report Post » Steve Crisp  
    • Willik
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 7:47am

      The proper way to dispose of an American flag is by fire. I take my worn flags to the local Boy Scouts for their monthly burning ceremonies.

      Report Post » Willik  
    • Willik
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 7:56am

      Even a worn American Flag is NEVER just a “piece fo cloth!” It represents a sacred instution (Constitution) and worthy of great respect!

      Report Post » Willik  
    • athynz
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:22am

      @Steve Crisp – The proper way to fly the American flag at night it to have it lit.

      http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/6

      Also proper disposal of the flag is by respectfully burning the flag in ceremony.

      http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/8

      I do not find your flags to be offensive I find your handling of the American flag to be extremely offensive and slap in the face to those who have risked everything to defend it.

      Report Post »  
    • AC7880
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:35am

      When you die you should just be thrown into the garbage. After all you will no longer be human, just some rotting meat.

      Report Post »  
    • Steve Crisp
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:42pm

      The flag is a symbol. It is not intended to be worshiped or adored in and of itself. It only reflects its symbolism when displayed and at no other time. Too many people get so wrapped up in flag regulations that they forget what the flag stands for. And even if they know the words honor, patriotism, faith, and self-reliance, they are no longer capable of practicing them. Their connection to the American flag is superficial and legalistic — two traits I abhor in others.

      And yes, when I die I am nothing but an empty shell with clear instructions to just dump me off at some medical school to be practiced upon.

      Report Post » Steve Crisp  
    • jeanbc
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 2:00pm

      Oh, how I appreciate your position on flying the flags!!! Thank you for your dedication!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Steve Crisp
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 2:31pm

      Jeanbc:

      You know one of the things I love about America? It is that the flag code is NOT a law. It is a resolution of recommendations authorized by Congress to be followed at the discretion of the person displaying the flag. Do it “wrong” and there are no penalties. Don‘t fly it and you won’t get fined or hauled off and imprisoned or shot. The display of our flag is completely voluntary and the recognition of its presence is completely voluntary as well. You don’t need to bow before it, remove your hat and cover your heart, or salute. You can respect it or disrespect it as much or little as you please.

      It is a symbol of our country, representing the “republic for which it stands.” One nation, and yes, under God, with liberty and justice for all. Liberty means I can fly the flag in whatever manner I choose for whatever reason I deem appropriate. If someone has a question regarding how I present our colors, just ask me and I will tell them my intentions and justification. If they don’t like it, they can go pound sand.

      And that pretty much sums up the value of freedom in America.

      Report Post » Steve Crisp  
    • ALL4114ALL
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 3:36pm

      Steve Crisp

      Don’t bother reading my other post to you — which I now know was wasted on you.

      I will just, as you said, “pretty much sum up” your patriotism and value of freedom: you’re a fraud, a pretend-patriot who hides behind multiple flags with allegiance to none.

      Yes, our freedom allows us choices. But honorable people choose to do honorable things, like I don’t know, something menial like honoring a code.

      Do yourself — and our country — a favor and remove the American flag from your display case of false loyalties. But don’t be afraid (when it’s no longer there to cover your false sense of pride), honorable and respectful Americans will bear your burden and protect you.

      Report Post »  
  • iwillnotbequiet
    Posted on July 22, 2012 at 12:25am

    This old gal flies her flag everyday of the week that the weather allows. I for one am sick to death of a few ruling our Country. When did we allow that to happen. We vote and the most votes win we play games and the highest score wins and so on. But when it comes to Christmas our flags our traditians we cave? This is America and if you come here you need to like it or leave it. We love her and will fight to keep her with a few changes like getting over this pc cra9. We need to start telling it like it is.. Fly them high and proud my friends.

    Report Post »  
  • ObserverOnTheHill
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 9:32pm

    A small, but IMPORTANT victory that shows we must ALL stand up and speak out against the progressive, liberal, marxist crap being pushed on the majority by a hateful minority.

    A great book on how the communists have taken over our institutions – churches, schools, businesses, government, Military and now our court system is

    – The Naked Truth: The Naked Communist – Revisited
    by James C. Bowers

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Naked-Truth-Communist-Revisited/dp/093616316X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339153878&sr=8-1

    He discusses how W. Cleon Skousen ( author of the 5000 Year Leap ) was an FBI agent for 16 years and was concerned about the implementation of what he felt were the top 45 stated goals of the communists at that time. You will be shocked how successfully their plans have been completed. A MUST READ book for any freedom loving American. Please pass on to others when done reading – SPREAD THE WORD

    Also – A MUST SEE – We were warned – watch the youtube video of Yuri Bezmenov, from the 80′s with G. Edward Griffin ( Jekyll Island author ). A Soviet KGB defector, he tells how it was his job to infiltrate these institutions and place communist supporters in positions of leadership and power. He was successful in doing so. Mind boggling stuff.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3qkf3bajd4

    Report Post »  
    • deanied
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:10am

      Thanks for the info & keep those flags flying!

      Report Post » deanied  
    • johnsnare
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 1:40pm

      You nailed it. Look at who is leading our great country. A socialist,Marxist,supporter, with a Communist father, and a wacko,left wing liberal mother. It is in the genes, folks. Remember, we are not exceptional, to quote our leader. How the hell did this guy get elected?

      Report Post »  
  • Slowman101
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 9:11pm

    Fly it proud!!

    Report Post »  
  • redriverattackdog
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 7:53pm

    I call BS on the Chief’s lame backpedalling. Admit you made a mistake. I do not even care the point is the flag is flying. The fact that it is flying in the face of a bunch of America hating liberals is just the icing on the cake. Take heart; if this were just a few years ago there would be no Blaze, AM Talk, FOX News or the Internet as a whole to report these stories. The mainstream media; AKA liberal stenographers, controlled the flow of information. In today’s day the roaches cannot hide. We have a voice WE ARE WINNING, they are having to play defense finally. It is not going to be easy, they will continue to tell lies and continue to peddle their nonsense but we do not have to smile and nod along anymore. We do not have to pretend their idiotic opinions are worthy of even a little merit

    Report Post » redriverattackdog  
    • Oldbutnotsenile
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 11:24pm

      You just told it like it is and what we have to do to take this country back and stand up for our freedoms at all times. I am sick and tired of P.C. People who want political correctness need to hear us and how we are offended, not how it offends those who came to this place to live. If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.

      Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:58pm

    Bravo

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • floridareader
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:52pm

    Well, as a great garment reads: “does my USA flag ofend you? Call 1800-leavetheusa

    Report Post » floridareader  
  • GaltLine
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:52pm

    So the US Code was broken. The story tells nothing of what that means. Flown upside down? Higher than Obama’s flag?

    Report Post »  
  • football lady
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:47pm

    God Bless the USA!

    Report Post »  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 9:54pm

      Glad to see those flags flying. After all, it is our country’s flag and we should be proud.

      Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 5:24pm

    Let’em fly high.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • Daveed
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:50pm

    Great! Where is the American peoples bust of Winston Churchill? It was stolen from the people and our White House as the current temporary hateful inhabitant sent it back to the Brits. He was not Obama’s to do that, thus it was stolen.

    Report Post »  
  • Teufel Hunden
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:48pm

    Speaking of codes, there ought to be a code against destroying the flag as a symbol of American exceptionalism and strength. The lengths that this administration has gone to undermine the meaning of our flag is criminal, When you see how this president has treated the flag, then it is understandable why his little friends would want to expand the practice to include something as innocent as a fire department. Piss on the chief, that would be Obama, and his merry band of American hating losers.

    Report Post » Teufel Hunden  
  • battles
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:26pm

    These firemen need sensitivity training. Don’t they know how despicable our flag is to Arab terrorist?

    Report Post » battles  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:25pm

    Comrades, be happy! Rejoice! After all he is ALLOWING the US flag to be flown. Isn’t that nice? Shucks, I thought he was going to require that we fly the Chinese flag!
    Progressive=Communist. It’s a simple, accurate equation every time!

    Report Post » historyguy48  
    • MBA
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:31pm

      That would be the nazi flag.

      Report Post »  
    • nowonuno
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:54pm

      Close enough historyguy48. The American flag is made in China. Of all the crap we subsidize here and abroad, US-made American flags should be at the top of the list. Then again, it probably would have the “Union Label.” Same thing. Heck, just fly China’s flag and cut out the middle man.

      This whole thing stinks of PC. There should be a law against anyone “offended” by the flag (a.k.a Dumbocrats). The punishment…treason.

      Report Post »  
    • athynz
      Posted on July 22, 2012 at 11:25am

      @NOWONUNO – I would much rather have a union made in the USA American flag flying than any made in China American flag.

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:22pm

    Know what ? I do not think that the fire chief was being transparent . The fire chief may have been experiencing one of those moments that Joe Wilson once described at a State of Union speech.

    Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:34pm

      I’am calling Bullsh1t on this and the Siminole Fire Cheif needs to pay for being either so stupid in times like these to call for flags down or for being down right un Amsrican. We need to set an example and let people world wide and domestic communists we are still here holding Libertys light high. We are tired of being spat upon.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
  • Magyar
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:19pm

    Just another attempt to de-Americanize WE THE PEOPLE!

    Just because OWEbama hates America, it doesn’t mean that WE have to follow suit!

    POS!

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Obama is talking to a brick wall. He is just too stupid to figure it out.

      Report Post »  
  • zoro51
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:16pm

    UN AMERICAN leftists will be REMOVED this IS american n WE LOVE OUR NATION OUR FLAG N THOSE WO SERVE HER… U DONT LIKE AMERICA MOVE TO RUSSIA the AMERICAN FLAG SHALL WAVE…

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:41pm

    Now if we could get one to fix the American Flag for the president to wear without him being ashamed.

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:38pm

    I’m happy that the flags will be flying again. That flag means a whole lot to patriots all over this country.
    We honor it and what it stands for. It makes us proud, it humbles us with the knowledge that we share a wonderful nation bought and paid for with blood and sacrifice.

    Thank you Florida patriots and patriots all across the nation who protested the removal of the symbol of America’s greatness. Fly our flag Americans.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:37pm

    in other words, they were FORCED by the American Public to put OUR flag back on OUR fire trucks.

    we proud true Americans really are the Sleeping Giant ….and we are no longer asleep.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:28pm

    B.S., that’s what the so called explanation is. The people of that city should get together and fire this guy and the rest of the unpatriotic Socialists that are connected to the decission to take down the flags.They need to make some examples out of them for anybody else that for what ever reason thinks they are above God and Country. What a sorry excuse. Run all out. We need to clean up our Country and regain our morals and beliefs and then vocalize them loud and proud. As to those that are offended by it, well, there are airplanes leaving our great country every minute and I’ll help them with thier bags.

    Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 4:06pm

      Liars! What a crock of BS! We all know that 1 or 2 people complained and that’s the only reason they came down!

      Report Post » randy  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:08pm

    I am happy to hear that the flags will be returned. It is wonderful there is a proper flag code for FEDERAL buildings and entities… each town and city should also have proper flag rules for display on its BUILDINGS but when it comes to individual citizens… we should be held to basic respect but please don’t require me to federal standards. I want to display a flag but gee… come on. I can show basic respect without a proper stand, light and other FEDERAL STANDARDS. We need more flags flying everywhere… trying to force every detail of every little rule only restricts the displaying of our flag.

    I understand these were on fire trucks.. but really? Were they really disrespecting the flag in ANY POSSIBLE way? Lets get real! Common sense. That sense of American Pride every time I see the flag waving in the wind is MUCH more important to me than if maybe it should not be on a truck or whatever the broken rule was.. because of ‘proper flag ettiquite’.

    Report Post »  
  • All American American
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:00pm

    This is how gubmint works. Person tells a gubmint agency to comply with US Code, it takes 6 months and numerous committee meetings and emails and what not.

    What shoulda happened:

    Person A: “Hey fire dude, you got your flag flying wrong.”
    Firedude: “Really?”
    Person A: “Yeah fly it this way.” (Walks over and fixes flag)
    Firedude: “Thanks.”

    End.

    Report Post » All American American  
    • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Too simple and easy. We need to ask “gubmint” for permission first. Can I, can I, can I……….please, please, please?

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 10:12pm

      I found other stories that gave more details. It wasn’t hard. Some of them were from five days ago right after the uproar was first created; this is just the first time we are hearing about it HERE. Apparently, the flags were being flown from plastic poles that clip onto the windows. They are supposed to be flown from poles attached to the body of the vehicles. So you couldn’t really have just walked over and fixed it.

      Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:00pm

    I got a response from the City saying that they were going to be “properly” installing them .. I think they got a LOT of heat from people like myself who were offended and are sick of American Flags being removed or not allowed in AMERICA!

    Report Post »  
  • Too_Far_Gone
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 2:56pm

    Yes !

    That covers it ..

    Report Post » Too_Far_Gone  
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