Posted on 09/19/2001 4:47:11 PM PDT by Map Kernow
Three Miami firefighters refused to ride on a fire engine carrying the American flag because they deemed Old Glory "offensive," the fire department said today.
The U.S. flag represents "oppression," the three government employees griped - and they refused to respond to emergency calls Saturday until a crew chief removed it, the Associated Press reported.
"He felt the best thing to do was for the administration to deal with this later," said Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue spokesman Lt. Louie Fernandez. "This way, citizens were never affected as far as their fire and rescue service."
On Monday, Miami-Dade Fire Chief Dave Paulison ordered all county fire engines to carry the American flag in honor of the firefighters and police officers killed in New York in last week's terrorist attacks.
One of the three returned to work today and rode on the fire engine without any protest, WPLG reported. The other two, employed at Station 26 in Opa-Locka, have been on scheduled leave since Saturday but are expected to return to work Monday.
Fernandez said that if they refuse to ride when they return, they "will be met with severe discipline."
"I've had more than 100 phone calls from firefighters around the county who are appalled at this report," he said. "We lost 400 colleagues in New York. This is our way of expressing sympathy."
Here's an idea: Send the mopes to "Ground Zero" & hand 'em a shovel.
Dear Tony:
I've passed your comments on to Chief Paulison as you requested. The county mayor, county manager, and Chief Paulison are extremely troubled by word that two firefighters reportedly refused to ride a fire engine because it displayed the American flag. If true, this sentiment does not reflect that of the fire department or Miami-Dade government.
The mayor, manager and the fire cheif wish to reassure residents that our fire rescue department, considered one of the best in world, is filled with very capable fire fighters and rescue personnel willing and eager to assist our residents, even if it means putting their lives at risk.
The fire fighters in question are currently on scheduled leave time. Officials from the fire director's office have not had the opportunity to meet with them directly. If the stories hold true regarding their reported refusal to ride fire trucks that displayed the American flag, these individuals will be dealt with appropriately.
Miami-Dade County can take great pride in knowing that our government and its employees, just like our residents, were quick to respond to the unthinkable attacks against America on September 11, 2001. We have offered the affected communities assistance with equipment and expertise, deployed emergency personnel to the scene of the attacks, led relief efforts, organized blood drives, and held numerous memorial and tributes.
For more information, residents may visit the county website at www.miamidade.gov.
Shari Holbert Lipner
Public Information Officer
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department
9300 NW 41st Street
Miami, FL 33178
(786) 331-5204 sharihl@miamidade.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 4:36 PM
To: Public Information Office (MDFR)
Subject: AP Wire Story 19 Sept.
Chief R. D. Paulison
Fire Rescue Department
9300 N.W. 41st. Street
Miami Florida 33178-2414
Dear Chief Paulison,
Today I read an article posted on the AP Wire Service that indicated that two Fire Fighters from Station 26 refused to ride their assigned truck because you ordered the American Flag to be flown from the equipment. First of all I commend you for your order to display the Flag in this time of a National Tragedy, the mourning of your fellow Fire Fighters, EMTs, and Police officers who so valiantly gave their lives in the service to others and those Military Forces who are about to go in harms way. It is my understanding that their refusal was for protesting the Flag was a symbol of repression.
I am outraged by their cold feelings in memory of their Brethren and respect for their country. The two men accepted the Honored profession of Fire Fighter and the wages paid by the tax payers of their community. They have an obligation to protect the public and property of the Citizens in the Country in which they live.
Both men should be severely disciplined for their actions up to and including termination. If they feel our Flag is oppressive then let them name another flag they feel is better and offer them tickets to that country. Now is a time for showing concern, respect, and support for our government and not some show of petty protest. The men involved displayed a total lack of judgement and respect for authority.
My brother is currently serving as an Officer with the Washington D. C. Metropolitan Police Department and is working to serve others, not to advance some petty political agenda. As far as I am concerned their actions have tarnished the reputation of your Department and the Brothers they work with daily, as well as the entire Community they were supposed to protect.
I know that the there are those who would view harsh discipline unfavorably however I also view their actions unpardonable at this time. If I had the address of the Fire Fighters Local in Miami I would have also copied this email to them.
I have proudly served my Country in the past and would do so today if called. If not terminated the two men owe a letter of apology to your community, the Department, the National Fire Fighters Union, and the Country as a whole. 400 Brave Men and Women gave their lives and they should be Honored at this time.
Sincerely yours,
Tony
I can't understand these morons. All those firemen lost in NYC. I guess these losers feel nothing about that either.
3190 N.W. 119 Street
Miami, FL 33167
Really? Well, maybe one of them died or something....
You need to know more about Haitians. They're very grateful for this country has offered and are a very hard-working people.
Thank God for the oppressive fire personnel...police personnel...rescue workers...who I can rely on to help me no matter what oppressive day or night situation.
When I lived in so. Fl. I had to get a pasport in Miami to g to England, and I felt more at home in ENGLANDthan in Miami....at the airport the mesages are in Spanish...FIRST!!
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