Horns were honking for red, white and blue Sunday, as protesters lined the road near the Seminole Fire Department after being told firefighters had to remove small American flags that were flying from fire engine windows.
The order to remove the flags came from Seminole Fire Chief George Bessler after the department received a complaint from a community member about flag placement.
City officials referred to U.S. Code Title 36 Chapter 10, section 175 that states hanging flags out windows is a violation. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the code states the staff has to be fixed to the chassis or the right fender.
Bessler said it's important they properly display the flags, so they don't unintentionally offend someone using the nation's flag.
Word spread about the decision. Those who came out in protest were offended by not allowing the flags to fly how they were and want the flags back on the trucks. "I want to see these guys be allowed to fly their flags," protest organizer Dave Dabney said.
"It's pretty much being patriotic towards the country, military and the fire service in general," former firefighter Howard Hirschfield said.
According to Hirschfield, some firefighters dispute whether the U.S. code applies to their engines. "I think a lot of firefighters across the country right now fly their flag on their apparatus, especially after 9/11," he said.
A flag already flies in front of the Seminole fire station and is worn proudly on their uniforms.
To the firefighters it’s about pride and respect, but city officials said it’s that respect they’re trying to protect with their decision.
Bessler said if the firefighters submit a formal proposal for flying flags on their trucks, the department and city is willing to try to reach a compromise if the flags are flown in accordance with U.S. code.
"If at any time the City of Seminole receives a request to mount the US flag on City apparatus in compliance with the US Code, it will be considered," the fire department said in a statement released Sunday evening.