Florida firefighters find 6 flags in a dumpster on Memorial Day
Tampa Fire Station 19 proudly flies an American flag. They now have four additional flags. Firefighters at the Port Tampa station found six American flags mounted to poles in a dumpster on Memorial Day. "Put it in the dumpster right next to an Air Force base and behind a fire station," firefighter-paramedic and Marine Erik Hernandez said. "Too many people fought and died for that flag, and a lot of people right now are overseas representing that flag." Flies were buzzing around the flags. "The flags were covered with other debris and appeared as if the poles were bent in an effort to remove them from the ground," the Tampa Fire Rescue said. "Firefighters were disgusted at the find, particularly on Memorial Day, so they cleaned the flags up as best they could." "These flags are standing tall again on Memorial Day," Hernandez said. Firefighters put four of the flags on display in front of the station. The other "two were in such poor condition that they will be taken to the American Legion post in Port Tampa for proper disposal," the Fire Rescue said. "It's pretty rough with the things going on in the country right now that somebody has the disrespect to do that to your flag," Captain Tom Meid said." It was obviously an intentional vandalism, so again, they're standing proud again." The flags were likely stolen, and firefighters want to return the remaining ones to their owners, the fire rescue added. Firefighters suspect the flags came from a nearby business. "If that business is watching … If they want their flags, they're ready for them. Come get ‘em," Meid said. Tampa Police are investigating.
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