Lock Four VFC explains flag mistake

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Lock Four Volunteer Fire Company in North Charleroi accidentally had a Confederate flag flying at its station for part of Sunday and Monday.

Firefighters purchased a new American flag, but what they received had the Stars and Stripes on one side and the Confederate flag on the other. No one noticed until calls started coming in.

Borough Solicitor Chrissy Cardinale said during a teleconference meeting Monday that she received three complaints from residents.

Fire Chief Fred Schwalb said he was unaware of the mixup, but had the flag disposed of as soon as he found out.

“I don’t know anything about it,” he said at the meeting. “But I will have it taken care of. I’m doing it right now as we speak.

“It is supposed to be a traditional American flag.”

Mayor Steve Hega assured residents that the mishap is not a proper representation of the borough.

“In no way do we support any racist or bigoted attitudes or feelings,” Hega said. “I want our residents to know that the borough does not support those types of beliefs, and I think most of our residents would agree with me.”

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