***Freepers*** Help Save the American Flag Patch

The Hobart Times ^ | 03/21/2002 | BY DEBORAH LAVERTY

[ChiefRon]

Publication date: 03/21/2002 New police insignia will honor 9-11 Hobart residents, groups are asked to submit potential designs for the patch that will be worn on police uniforms.

BY DEBORAH LAVERTY Times Staff Writer HOBART -- The Police Department is hoping to show its support for those who gave their lives on Sept. 11 by wearing a specially designed insignia on their uniform sleeves.

Police Chief Brian Snedecor is asking Hobart residents, civic and fraternal organizations and schoolchildren for possible insignia designs to replace the American flag patch now worn on the right shoulder of officers' uniforms.

"We're not intending to trivialize the current patch, but expound upon the outpouring of patriotism following the events of the last six months, as well as recognize the sacrifice of all veterans, police officers and firefighters, past and present," he said. Snedecor said the theme of the new design will be "Hobart remembers ..." and should incorporate the American flag, the events of Sept. 11 and a Hobart landmark, such as the Doughboy, clock tower or lakefront. Deputy Police Chief Leo Finnerty said the design may inspire other police departments to take similar action. Designs only will be accepted from Hobart citizens or Hobart-based organizations.

All citizens, regardless of age, are encouraged to participate. Designs can be submitted to Lt. Jeffery White at the Hobart Police Department, 200 Main St., Hobart, IN 46342.

Potential insignia designs may be mailed or dropped off in the lobby of the department. A cutoff for the submissions has not yet been set.

Individuals submitting designs are asked to include their name, age and address/phone number along with their submissions.

A board consisting of Snedecor and four police officers, of which at least two will be honorably discharged veterans, will make the final selection. The selected design will be unveiled during the city's annual summer festival with the artists recognized by Mayor Linda Buzinec.

Questions concerning the insignia should be directed to White at (219) 942-1125. Deborah Laverty can be reached at dlaverty@howpubs.com or (219) 662-5324.

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[ChiefRon]

"insignia designs to replace the American flag patch now worn on the right shoulder of officers' uniforms."

LEAVE THE FLAG ALONE!!! I realize that 911 brought a horrendous attack on our country. We pay homage to the always beautiful RED WHITE AND BLUE. It's a flag that so many have given their lives for. It is a symbol of our nation. If a police or fire dept. wish to have a particular patch with respect to their participation and heroism, that's fine......underneath the flag of our country.

Why not let our glorious flag stand-alone as it has done for two hundred plus years?

Help me freep this department with letters and phone calls.

[ChiefRon]

Actually it is a city of about 32,000.00. Norther Indiana, borders Gary. 25 miles from Chicago.

[ChiefRon]

32 thousand.......sorry

[Cagey]

I couldn't agree with you more. A second patch under the flag is fine but what's next? Replace the American flag in the courtroom with this new design?

[chainsaw]

Bump for keeping the flag patch. If they want another p[atch under it fine - otherwise forget.