Connecticut Town Declines to Fly ‘Thin Blue Line’ Flag in Honor of Fallen Officer

Leaders of a Democrat-led Connecticut town voted against flying the “thin blue line” flag in honor of a state trooper killed in the line of duty. Instead, they chose to fly other flags, including the LGBTQ pride flag, at half-staff.

Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was tragically killed last week in a hit-and-run.

Rich Bailey, one of three Republicans on the Wethersfield Town Council, requested that the “thin blue line” flag be raised at the local government building, as reported by WTNH.

The council, consisting of six Democrats and three Republicans, voted against the request 5-3, with one abstention, according to the New York Post.

Bailey expressed that the “thin blue line” flag symbolized protection and support from the police, serving as the first line of defense for communities. However, Democrat council member Emily Zambrello argued that the flag can represent racism and animosity to many, indicating it is not appropriate to raise it over the town hall per flag policy.

Despite Bailey’s refusal to fly the first responders’ flag instead, officials decided to raise the pride flag and other flags following policy guidelines, including the U.S. flag.

Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision on Facebook, highlighting their disappointment with the council members who voted against raising the “thin blue line” flag.