A Plea For Danvers Unity Amid 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Dispute

DANVERS, MA — Danvers town leaders reaffirmed support for law enforcement while pledging to create a better understanding for residents who feel marginalized, in a joint statement released Friday morning.

The statement comes amid a persistent and often emotionally heated month-long debate over whether the 'thin blue line' flag should be allowed on town property.

Proponents of the flag argue is a sign of solidarity with police officers, who put their lives on the line to protect the public, while opponents contend the flags can be viewed a political statement in opposition to Black Lives Matter and other movements seeking police reform.

Friday's statement sought to frame the debate as one that is bigger than the town — backing the record and behavior of Danvers police, asking for support of law enforcement officials who have felt disrespected amid nationwide protests against police brutality, but also hoping that all racial and gender groups feel part of an inclusive Danvers.

"We need to listen to what our neighbors are saying," said the statement from Select Board Chair Daniel Bennett, Town Manager Steve Bartha, Police Chief Patrick Ambrose and Fire Chief Robert Amerault. "Their negative reaction to this symbol has almost everything to do with what is happening in our country and almost nothing to do with what is happening in our community. We need to partner with these residents to understand their experience in Danvers and see if we can make Danvers feel as welcoming to them as it feels to us."

Bartha cited the possible political connotations of the flag in ordering it removed from town fire apparatus last month. The Select Board voted to affirm his authority to do so at the conclusion of a "community conversation" held at Danvers High on Sept. 2.

While Danvers fire officials said they disagreed with the decision, they accepted it, with Amerault allowing it was "easy" to see how the way the flag has been used at political rallies might make some uncomfortable.

Earlier this week, a group called Citizens to Restore Respect of First Responders in the Town of Danvers submitted a petition with 450 signatures to the town clerk's office asking that a decision on whether the 'thin blue line' flag should be allowed on town apparatus be decided at a special town meeting.

"It has been an emotional and educational few weeks for our community, as we've discussed the meaning and power of symbols, how best to make our first responders feel supported, and how best to make every member of the Danvers community feel included," Friday's joint statement said. "The four of us found ourselves at the center of this discussion, even though the discussion itself is bigger than any of us, the symbol itself or the town of Danvers.

"Much of the disagreement these past three weeks was concerning the meaning and power of a symbol: its historical meaning, its more recent use, its importance to the first responder community, and the painful connotations it creates for some members of the Danvers community. The substance of the discussion, however, was rock-solid agreement on the respect and appreciation this community has for the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of our first responders."

Throughout the debate, town fire officials have decried personal attacks on Bartha and his family for the original decision to remove the flags.

"A handful of those participating in this discussion were uncivil, but most were not," the statement said. "Comments at the Select Board's Sept. 2 Community Conversation, and most of the email and phone correspondence we have received, has been well-reasoned, well-intentioned and respectful. To the hundreds of residents who made their voices heard, we thank you."

The statement also asked proponents of police reforms to understand how some of those debates and protests have made law enforcement feel like they are under siege.

"It is clear that the broader debate over police reform, racial justice and police brutality like we saw this summer in Minneapolis, has landed on our shores in Danvers, and that this debate has taken a toll on the morale and optimism of our public safety professionals," the statement said. "This makes us sad, and we need to address it. We need to listen to our first responders, understand their frustration, and find ways to reaffirm our support for them in ways that do not feel unwelcoming to our neighbors."

The overriding message was that through communication and understanding that residents of the town can constructively debate differences, while remaining united and connected to each other.

"We want Danvers to be a welcoming community," the statement said. "We want it to be a welcoming place for police officers and firefighters who work hard and deserve to feel supported, and we want it to be a welcoming place for long-time residents, new residents, young residents, old residents, LGBTQ residents, Black residents, white residents and every shade in between."

Related Patch Danvers Coverage:

New Danvers Fire Chief Responds To 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Dispute

Danvers Petition To Put 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Use Up To Vote

Danvers Union Chief Condemns 'Vicious' Attacks On Town Officials

Danvers Selectmen Affirm Removal Of 'Thin Blue Line' Flags