Some firefighter recruits in Colorado have decided to dedicate their academy flag to three fallen deputies killed in the line of duty since New Year’s Eve.
Academy 18-01 started in early February; recruits come from four different departments including West Metro, Castle Rock, Littleton and Tri-Lakes Monument.
In tradition, each academy designs a flag that hangs for the duration of training and abides by a team motto.
This team’s motto is “strength through unity.”
Students in Academy 18-01 were inspired to recognize first responders, not only the fire service, but also law enforcement after three line of duty deaths in Colorado.
Deputy Zackari Parrish of Douglas County Sheriff Department, Deputy Heath Gumm of Adams County Sheriff Department, and Deputy Micah Flick of El Paso County Sheriff Department were killed in the line of duty between New Year’s Eve and February 5.
While the flag honors the fallen officers, it’s a reminder to appreciate the officers that protect communities daily.
The flag lists each of the four fire departments within the academy and has several symbolic representations – the red line represents fire service and the blue line represents law enforcement.
It likely something that these recruits will remember throughout their careers.
