PURPOSEThe purpose is to establish the proper display and handling procedures for the Flag of the United States of America. Another purpose is to provide and establish adequate guidelines for the actions of the fire department personnel when confronted by the National Flag.

POLICY

All fire department personnel shall observe and display proper respect toward the National Flag
 

RESPONSIBILITY

It shall be the responsibility of all fire department personnel to closely observe the standards set forth in this policy. The Station Officer will be responsible for the proper display for the National Flag at the station. It is the responsibility of the station officer to periodically inspect the condition of both the National and State of Texas flag.

STATION PROCEDURE

The U.S. flag should be first hoisted to the peak and then lowered to half-staff. The flag should again be raised to the peak before being lowered for the day.

Always hoist the U.S. flag briskly; lower it ceremoniously.

It shall be the responsibility of the officer in charge of each station on each shift to make assignments that will ensure flags are flown correctly.

Flags should be taken down at 1700 hours unless there is permanent lighting after dark.

The National Flag and the State of Texas flag should not be displayed during inclement weather (i.e., raining, freezing rain, or when winds exceed 25 mph). When a flag becomes unfit for service, it should be replaced with a new flag and the old flag returned to the Chief for proper disposal.

HALF-STAFF PROCEDURES

Flags shall be displayed at half-staff on a national day of mourning or when directed to do so by the Fire Chief.