Suffolk Reporter

The Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside the Chiefs Office, has decided to reverse its previous decision to remove the Blue Line Flag from a rescue truck. This decision comes after significant community feedback expressing discontent over the flag's removal.

Newsday had reached out to the organization following a complaint from a community member who found the blue line flag offensive. The initial removal was described as a move made in "the interest of harmony" and caution. However, after receiving numerous comments from residents upset by its removal, officials have opted to restore the flag.

The Blue Line Flag was originally placed on the department's rescue truck on December 20, 2014. It serves as a tribute to NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were killed while on duty in Brooklyn. The Smithtown Fire Department stated their intention is to honor these officers' sacrifices and show support for law enforcement partners.

"The Smithtown Fire Department wishes to honor the ultimate sacrifice these two officers made and express our support for our law enforcement partners," said an official statement. They affirmed that their support for law enforcement remains unchanged and expressed pride in continuing to display the flag.

The flag will be reinstalled today on its fire apparatus with its original meaning intact.