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Flag commemorates fallen firefighters
By HARLAN WEIKLE
| Article published on Sunday, July 5, 2009 |
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| From left, Rep. Bill Heller is congratulated by Gov. Charlie Crist as Sen. Charlie Justice, firefighter Rick Weschler and Oldsmar Fire Chief Scott McGuff look on. |
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OLDSMAR – Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill June 25 before an audience of 150 firefighters, law enforcement officers and dignitaries creating a state flag to commemorate fallen firefighters.
The ceremony was held at Station 54, where firefighter Rick Weschler, the flag’s designer, is stationed. Weschler shared his idea with Oldsmar Fire Chief Scott McGuff, who took the idea to state Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg.
“I was inspired,” Weschler told the audience, “by the sacrifice of our fellow firefighters who gave their lives in service to their community.”
In the first six months of 2009 three county firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Justice, on hand to witness the signing along with the bill’s cosponsor, Rep. Bill Heller, D-St Petersburg, thanked the firefighters for their dedication to service and said, “when this flag is unfurled for the first time this fall for its official dedication in Ocala, my sincere wish is that it will be the last time it will be used.”
The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Flag is on a blue field representing water, the firefighter’s tool, Weschler explained.
It also features a purple band, the color of respect, and a black band of humility. The center of the flag displays the Florida firefighters’ traditional emblem in red, signifying the color of commitment and sacrifice.
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Article published on Sunday, July 5, 2009
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