A Queens city councilwoman wants to equip all Big Apple fire stations and police stations with thin American “red line” and “blue line” flags in response to leftists claiming they are fascist symbols.
Republican Joann Ariola has collected 53 tribute flags from generous New Yorkers since starting an online campaign two weeks ago.
The municipal councilor has already delivered blue line flags to five Queens police stations and red line flags at four Queens fire stations, she told the Post.
“Far-left activists are trying to turn public opinion against our first responders and sow chaos in this city,” Ariola said. “This campaign is a show of support for our first responders, to let them know that no matter what, the people of this city have their back. »
Ariola began her efforts two weeks ago, in response to a Post report that an FDNY deputy chief had ordered an East Village ladder company to remove a “red line” from the American flag honoring six team members killed on 9/11.
The request came after a local resident called the flag “fascist” and City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera (D-Manhattan) questioned whether it was a “politically charged symbol.”
The department was following a 2020 FDNY rule banning “modified” versions of the American flag on department property, which was implemented under then-Commissioner Daniel Nigro at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests .
News of the flag’s removal on March 22 immediately sparked outrage on social media, and hours later the FDNY reversed the decision.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh confirmed to the Post that she “unequivocally supports” firefighters flying the tribute flags.
“The red flag honors the firefighters who lost their lives protecting our city,” she said. “We appreciate Councilwoman Ariola’s efforts in donating this flag to fire stations who will proudly display it.”
The police department does not have rules prohibiting blue line flags on NYPD property.
Commanders to the 100th102sd104th106th and 112th Precincts across Queens have accepted blue line flags honoring police officers killed or injured in the line of duty, according to Ariola, who plans to extend the gift citywide.
Rivera previously insisted to the Post that she only contacted the FDNY about Ladder Co. 11’s tribute flag because a constituent complained about it and that she had a “strong” relationship with the Firestation.
However, Rivera has a history of criticizing the police, including voting to defund the NYPD by $1 billion in 2020 and regularly tearing up police officers that same year during Black Lives Matters protests.
Rivera did not return messages.
New York Post
