A Democratic-controlled town council in Connecticut is causing controversy after refusing to fly the “Thin Blue Line” flag in honor of a state trooper who was killed in the line of duty last week.
The Wethersfield City Council voted down a request to fly the flag, which is traditionally flown in support of police, arguing that to some it symbolizes division and racism.
City Councilman Rich Bailey (R) proposed flying a “Thin Blue Line” flag at City Hall in memory of Connecticut State Police Pvt. First Class Aaron Pelletier, 34, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver last week after being pulled over for a traffic violation.
But the measure failed to garner the necessary votes to pass at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, with three votes in favor, five against and one abstention.
The council is made up of six Democrats and three Republicans.
Instead, other flags, including the LGBTQ Pride flag, which was already flown in June during Pride Month, as well as the American and state flags, were flown at half-staff.
“All we’re doing is honoring the police officers who died,” Bailey said. He told WTNH News 8.
“At my home, [the “thin blue line” flag] “The police protect us and are our first line of defense,” he added. “They’re always here and always there for us.”
But other council members said the flag has taken on new meaning in recent years.
“This represents racism and hostility to so many people,” Rep. Emily Zambrero (D) told a local news station. “Even if you don’t feel that way personally, if you’re on a plane in your own home and you feel like it means something to you, that’s a much more positive thing. It’s just that a lot of people don’t feel that way.”
“Our flag policy prohibits hateful conduct, so it is inappropriate to fly the flag at City Hall.”
Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser, who voted against the motion, said he was presenting an alternative to the “Sing Blue Line” flag, the first responder’s flag, to honor officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
“The First Aid flag recognizes all emergency personnel including police, fire and emergency management. The ‘Blue Line’ flag was designed for police officers and is over 100 years old, but is now used by white supremacists and many police organizations have rejected the flag.”
Bailey, a former fire chief whose father was a police officer, would not accept the paramedic’s flag as a replacement.
Pelletier, the officer killed by a driver who was allegedly under the influence of drugs, was laid to rest on Wednesday in a funeral attended by thousands.
At the ceremony, his widow and the mother of his two young sons gave tearful tributes to her husband.
“To my love, you were more than just a husband,” his wife, Dominique, said, “You were my home. You were my heart. You were my safe place, my bread and butter. You were my best friend, the keeper of my secrets, and my favorite gossip.”
“The light of our smiles will fade forever and it seems unimaginable a world without that laughter, but it is already a reality,” she said. “I promise you that we will keep you alive forever in our home, in our hearts and in the memories of our sons. We love you and we miss you.”
With post wire
