National Fire Prevention Week came to a close Saturday. We would like to thank Stilly Auto Parts Napa LLC and Northwest Incident Support (Support #46) for the donation of the 36 Thin Red Line flags that lined Olympic Avenue last week. Thank you to the City of Arlington Maintenance & Operations team, and especially Jay Downing, for installing and removing the flags.
The meaning of the flags is as follows: When firefighters are periled, they place their lives second to those they protect. They are forced to face their own fears and grasp for every ounce of courage to perform the necessary task. “The Thin Red Line of Courage" represents the last ounce of courage firefighters find deep in their blood to conquer their darkest fears in order to save and protect life and property. It is displayed to show respect for firefighters injured and killed in the line of duty.
The Thin Red Line originally came about as a description used to refer to an outgunned military unit holding firm against attack.
We would also like to thank Assistant Chief Jeremy Stocker with Snohomish County Fire District #22 for the drone video footage. We are often humbled by the support of the community, it is greatly appreciated!