The large 8- by 12-foot American flag flying above the Village Green in Chester got caught in its flag pole topper, a couple of weeks ago on what must have been a very windy day. The flag pole is crowned with a highly detailed Eagle Flagpole Finial. Several residents in the area were quiet concerned that the flag was going to be damaged. The Village News and property owner Jim Danielsreceived several phone calls. The Village News did receive a suggestion that the fire department could be called.
Before they could be called, the fire department crew from Engine 1 Chester drove by and notice the flag. and stopped to see if they could untangle it; already destroyed, Engine 1 Chester crew, firefighters, Larry Kirkland and Patrick Duncan, had concerns of pulling the eagle off of the top so they called in Engine 14 with Truck 14 to extend the 50 feet to retrieve the flag.
Assisting from Engine 14 were Mark Tinsley and Dan Farrell. Two other firefighters assisted with traffic. Our apologies for not being able to offer their names.
Last Wednesday was not so much a slow news day, but a day to highlight the importance of community pride. Thank you; Engine 1 and Engine 14.
The flag was purchased by the Kiwanis Club of Chester and will be replaced by the club. Daniels said that most likely the solution to prevent this from occurring again would be the purchase of a smaller flag.
