Councilwoman Joann Ariola is leading an effort to supply firehouses and police precincts in New York City with thin “red-line” and “blue-line” American flags in response to claims by leftists that these flags are fascist symbols. Ariola has collected 53 tribute flags from generous New Yorkers since starting an online campaign two weeks ago. She has already delivered blue-line flags to five Queens police precincts and red-line flags to four Queens firehouses, stating that the campaign is a show of support for first responders and emphasizes that the people of the city stand behind them.
The initiative was sparked by a post report about an FDNY deputy chief ordering an East Village ladder company to remove a “red line” American flag honoring the squad’s six members killed on 9/11 after a neighborhood resident called the flag “fascist.” Councilwoman Carlina Rivera questioned whether the flag was a politically charged symbol, leading to the flag being taken down. The FDNY had implemented a rule in 2020 prohibiting “altered” versions of the American flag on department property during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, but the decision to remove the tribute flag was reversed amid social media outrage.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh expressed unequivocal support for firefighters displaying the redline flags, stating that they honor firefighters who lost their lives protecting the city. The NYPD does not have rules prohibiting blue-line flags on their property, and commanding officers at several precincts in Queens have accepted blue-line flags honoring cops killed or injured in the line of duty. Ariola plans to expand the distribution of these flags citywide to show support for law enforcement officers as well.
Councilwoman Rivera, who previously reached out to the FDNY about the removal of the tribute flag at Ladder Co. 11, has a history of being critical of law enforcement, including voting to defund the NYPD by $1 billion in 2020. She has also been known to criticize police officers during the Black Lives Matter protests. Despite her previous actions, Rivera did not respond to messages regarding the recent flag distribution efforts led by Councilwoman Ariola.
Overall, the campaign led by Councilwoman Joann Ariola to supply first responders with red-line and blue-line flags serves as a display of support for those who risk their lives to protect the city. The initiative was sparked by controversy surrounding the removal of a tribute flag at an FDNY station and has gained traction through social media outrage. By distributing these flags, Ariola aims to show that the people of New York City stand behind their first responders and appreciate their service. Despite criticism from leftist groups, the efforts to honor and support law enforcement officers and firefighters have gained significant support among New Yorkers and city officials.