Patch USA Flag Thin Red Line Fire Department Firefighters

The flag with the thin red line has become a fixture in many communities, particularly at fire stations and fire headquarters, but there has been much debate about its origins, the appropriateness of flying the flags, and what they represent to members of the broader community.

The flag with the thin red line is a variation of the American flag, which is black and white with a red stripe.

The flag with the thin red line was designed to show support and solidarity with firefighters and to honor injured or fallen firefighters.

The origin of the Thin Red Line flag actually dates back to the Thin Blue Line flag, a flag created to show support for law enforcement. Note: The expression "thin blue line" refers to the concept of the police as a line that prevents society from descending into violent chaos.

Since the creation of the Blue Line flag, several similar flags have been developed to show solidarity with other first responder agencies:

Thin Red Line Flag – Fire Brigade
Thin White Line Flag – EMS
Thin yellow/gold flag – dispatcher/communication