The Elmont Fire Department on Long Island is responsible for about 35,000 residents, most of whom are black.
Yet if you look at the logo for Elmont Engine Company 3 you will notice a consistent symbol -- a symbol that looks like the confederate flag.
On Engine Company 3’s patches and former fire truck a logo shows a firefighter wearing what looks like confederate flag shorts. On the new fire truck, a skull is wearing what looks like a confederate flag bandanna.
"I felt very uncomfortable when I saw that,” said an Elmont firefighter, who is black and wanted to remain anonymous for fear of repercussion.
He felt he had to talk because of what he and others allegedly saw in Engine Company 3’s TV room. A photo of that room given to NBC New York shows what looks to be a Confederate Flag to the right of the television. Black firefighters we spoke to say they were stunned when they saw that flag inside of a firehouse.
“I feel there should be a change. There should not be a Confederate flag in the firehouse. It should not be on the fire truck."
We contacted the Elmont Fire Department, but they declined an on camera interview. Commissioner Ralph Esposito, who is in charge of Engine Company 3, at first declined to give his last name, then said the engine company had a long tradition going back “1924.” He said the flag in the logo was an “American flag,” then threatened legal action.
A black community leader who looked into the matter said the department told her the flag was used because the company is known as the rebels.
We went to the firehouse to get some answers. When we asked if there was a Confederate flag inside of the firehouse the firefighters did not say anything and quickly shut the garage door which was open.
We showed Elmont residents photos of Engine Company 3's logo.
"It's disrespectful. I thought we were over that. Didn't Lincoln free the slaves," said Andrea Cross
"It's disgraceful, very disgraceful," said Joyce Johnson
"Racism. It's the flag people use when they want you to know they are either part of the Klu Klux Klan they believe in just slavery," said Judy Djalo
But others felt people were being too sensitive.
"I think they do a very nice job and if they were racist they wouldn't volunteer for the jobs they do," said Rafael Marte.
"They have freedom of speech and they can do whatever they want to do," said May Milord.
The Elmont Fire Department is a volunteer fire department but funded by taxpayers. Officials from the town of Hempsted, which overseas Elmont, say they have no control over the Elmont Fire Department because it is the Fire Commissioners who make all the decisions.
Several calls made to some Elmont Fire Commissioners by NBC New York were never returned.
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Comments
http://www.telemundo47.com/video/26907201/index.html
As of Friday Jan. 28, 6pm the logo that was on the side of Engine #3 has been changed. The bandanna was changed to reflect a firefighters black turnout coat and collar.
Again we are sorry for what has happened and as always our doors are always open to new perspective Firefighters and EMT's, no matter Race or Religion. Stop by any firehouse Sunday mornings from 10-12 for more info.
Be safe all.
In my time in the department, I can tell you, that were, and continue to be many "black" members. While I understand that this logo is offensive to some, I would like to reiterate Mr. Capoziello's comments and say that at no time when the fire bells went off did anyone EVER say "whose house are we going to? what nationality are they?" We dedicated our TIME, often times at the expense of our families, to protect the other residents of Elmont. I truly believe it is because we all feel a sense of dedication to our own neighborhood.
Make no mistake when the alarm bell sounds we will be there for YOU! Despite some of the passionate responses here, deep down, I know no one ever doubts that. That said we exsist to serve you, the public, not offend you.
Our doors are always open for new members. Stop by one of the firehouses any Sunday morning from 10-12pm.
Sometimes we may be blinded by history, traditions, and taking for granted what was already in place before we got there, as ok and no big deal. despite what some of you may think, we do care. The Board of fire Commissioners and the Chiefs have been speaking to our Black Brother firefighters and hearing what they have to say. Personally I have spoken to Brother firefighters from 2 companies in my own firehouse, anddiscussed many things, things I know I can's possibly understand, unless I walk in their shoes, and I can never do that.
The Chiefs Office will continue to speak to our Brother firefighters to see if we need to look at other things as well. We will do what is needed to make this right.
cont. part 3
I am currently an Assistant Chief with the Elmont Fire Department, I would like to clear the air and get some facts out to you.
The past few days any logo with the rebel flag or anything close to it has started to be removed from anything related to the Elmont FD. The flag in the back room has been removed and the truck logo will be removed ASAP as soon as the artist can remove it.
The Elmont FD, and the members of Engine 3 are not racist, nor do we discriminate against any race or religion. Our membership stands at about 174 and of that 62 are Black, Hispanic or one of the many other races of peoples that make Elmont the melting pot community that it is. There are 8 compnaies in the Elmont FD, all have Black members. Are some of us guilty of not truly understanding how offensive and hurtful this image is to the community, yes, and shame on us for that. Are we trying to entice a racist point of view absolutley not.
cont. in part 2
If the flag had a swastika on it, this firehouse would be under siege right now.