As I jog through town each morning, I appreciate the “Firefighter Memorial” at Pioneer and Bayshore Drive. I think of the 343 New York firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. And I also remember the 220 law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty each year, especially John Saxerude and Bill Heffernan, two of our Island County Deputies who were shot and killed in 1987.

Now it appears that because of a trivial code violation, the city has required our local heroes to remove the American flag and pole. I challenge the city to do the right thing and allow our first responders to display Old Glory, so we may honor the sacrifice made by all who serve this community each and every day.

Jim Bailey

Oak Harbor