Tampa Firefighters Rescue 6 American Flags

Firefighters at the Port Tampa station reported for duty on Memorial Day morning to come across a discovery that sparked patriotic action.

It seems someone dumped six American flags, still mounted to their poles, in the dumpster behind Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 19, 7910 Interbay Blvd. Those flags were “covered with other debris and appeared as if the poles were bent in an effort to remove them from the ground,” department spokesman Jason Penny wrote in an email to media.

“Disgusted at the find, particularly on Memorial Day,” the firefighters pulled the flags out and cleaned them up as best they could. They placed the four that could be salvaged on display in front of their station for all to see, Penny said.

The other two flags were in such poor condition they will be taken to the American Legion post in Port Tampa for proper disposal, Penny said.

It is unclear at this time who is responsible for dumping the flags or where they came from. Firefighters, however, assume they were stolen and want to return them to their owners, Penny noted.

Residents or business owners who believe one of the flags might be theirs are asked to stop by the station on Interbay to check for themselves, Penny told Patch.

As for why the action ”disgusted” firefighters, Penny explained.

“Today we remember the men and women who died in defense of the United States. The American flag symbolizes their sacrifice and should be treated with respect. Tampa Fire Rescue salutes their service and asks that all Americans take time to honor their memory.”

Photo courtesy of Tampa Fire Rescue

See Also:

• Firefighters Step Up to Save Dog
• Memorial Day Confederate Flag Burnings Spark Controversy

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