Firefighter Bill Tompkins, left, and union President
Joe Tarquinio, reinstall the flag on one of Arlington
Fire Department’s engines
ARLINGTON – The controversy over whether or not an American flag could be placed on Arlington Fire District trucks appears to be resolved, to some degree.
Fire district officials met with leadership of the firefighters Local 2393 after which they issued a statement – “We have agreed to install a flag on an engine and continue to work together to develop a standard and protocol,” said Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman James Beretta; Tory Gallante, the fire chief; and union president Joseph Tarquinio.
Dutchess County and Town of Poughkeepsie officials hailed the agreement.
In a joint statement, County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson, Poughkeepsie Town Supervisor Jay Baisley and Poughkeepsie Town Police Chief Ron Spero, said: “Firefighters displaying the American flag is tradition and it’s appropriate. We are heartened the Arlington Fire District Fire chief and district board chairman were able to sit down and resolve this issue.”
The four said Thursday’s decision “enables the men and women of the department to be able to demonstrate their commitment to the ideals embodied within the American flag and pride for one of the country’s great traditions of fire service.”
They said support for the displaying of the flag on fire trucks had overwhelming support from across the nation “and we are pleased the American flag will be again proudly waving in the Arlington Fire District.”
