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New York Fire Department Ordered to Remove U.S. Flags From Trucks
A flag flies half-staff at Engine Company 205 / Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights who lost eight men, including six who died together in their firetruck under the rubble in the 9/11 attacks, on September 11, 2015 in New York City. Throughout the nation people are holding somber gatherings and memorial events to reflect on the 14-year anniversary of September 11, 2001 that resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

New York Fire Department Ordered to Remove U.S. Flags From Trucks

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) -- Fire commissioners in upstate New York have ordered a department to take American flags off its trucks, sparking a heated online debate.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports the flags were removed Tuesday from the Arlington Fire District trucks in the town of Poughkeepsie following Monday's order.

Arlington Fire Commissioners Board Chairman Jim Beretta tells the newspaper the majority of the board saw the flags as a "liability during normal operations for our people and other motorists."

The Journal reports the flags were recently put up at the request of the union. Fire Chief Tory Gallante says he's "very disappointed" with the order.

The newspaper says some online commenters are outraged by the decision. Others believe the mounted flags violated U.S. flag code.

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Jon Street

Jon Street

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