February 1, 2021 – Washington County, WI – Over the last couple of years, the “Thin Blue Line” flag has become very popular. For those of you who are not aware, the “Thin Blue Line” refers to the concept of the police as the line which keeps society from descending into violent chaos. Recently a new spin has emerged which has painted the “Thin Blue Line” flag as advancing “hateful ideologies” being pushed by “extremists” and as a result we must reject the flag altogether. I counter that argument by asking, should we abandon our American Flag because other “extremists” are using it to promote their misguided “hateful ideologies” as well? This is an absurd thought and it is infuriating. I am aware of two law enforcement executives in Wisconsin who have decided to ban the flag in their agencies. To me, this sends the wrong message to citizens and law enforcement.
The “Thin Blue Line” flag has been a symbol of support for law enforcement by a very large number of United States citizens. Those who display it typically support law and order. They support waiting for all facts before casting judgment on any incident. They support law enforcement officers knowing that the vast majority are good people who genuinely want to make their community a better place. They understand that contrary to the false narrative of the media, law enforcement is overwhelmingly color blind as it relates to the law. They also understand that if you break the law, there are consequences regardless of the color of your skin.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will never bow to the whims or false narrative of extremists who hate law enforcement. I am proud of the work my staff does every day. I am proud our citizens support the work we do. I am proud we have a symbol in that of the “Thin Blue Line” flag that is positive and unifying even though those who hate law and order and law enforcement are hateful toward the flag. To me, the “Thin Blue Line” flag represents that we in law enforcement are the last line of defense for law and order and we will stand up for what is right in the face of adversity. We will stand up for the Constitution of the United States and everything the American Flag represents.
I wear a “Thin Blue Line” flag pin on my uniform every day. I have authorized “Thin Blue Line” flags to be displayed on all Dodge County Sheriff’s Office squad cars. I have a “Thin Blue Line” flag flying below my American Flag on my front lawn. I encourage all citizens and law enforcement to feel free to display the “Thin Blue Line” flag with pride because supporting and being a part of law enforcement is nothing to be ashamed of. It is one of the world’s oldest and most noble professions and I am proud to stand side by side with so many outstanding men and women who put on the uniform because they have one thing in mind, serving and protecting the citizens of our great nation.
Of course, everyone has the right to their own opinion on this matter, and I respect everyone’s constitutional right to their freedom of speech. However, no one has the right to trample on anyone else’s right to free speech if they choose to display the “Thin Blue Line” flag and support our brave men and women in law enforcement. I will defend that constitutional right to support law enforcement, just as any other right that has been afforded to the citizens of our great nation. Thank you for supporting us and thank you for allowing us to work hard toward making Dodge County a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.
There’s a couple things wrong with using the American flag to promote anything. I’m only going to talk about one here. First off though I must say that I have the utmost respect for the police.
I love the flag and hate to see it modified in any way. Once someone changes it it opens the door for others to use it as they please. How would you like a rainbow colored flag or a flag blended with another countries flag. The possibilities are endless. I suggest using some other symbol and let the Flag be the symbol of America.
Thank you for standng wth the Thin Blue Line flags. There is no good reason to get rid of them and so many good reasons to fly them with pride. I am happy to read that they are displayed on all Dodge County squads. There has been so much negativity brought on by hateful groups. Lets leave that trash back in 2020 and keep the good such as support of positive law enforcement in 2021.
Display of the thin blue line flag is a Class A misdemeanor under Wisc. Code 946.06(1)(a) and (b).
First – For those of you who keep saying it’s a violation of the USC, other state codes and such, please note the Thin Blue Line Flag is superimposed on a negative, not on the Red, White and Blue of Old Glory.if your code says “American Flag” then you have no argument. If you they say “likeness”, then we have a debate as the US Supreme Court has never ruled on what the definition of “likeness” as pertains to a flag. Second – If the Blue Line is wrong, so is the Red Line (Fire Fighters), Green Line (Military), White Line (Medical), Gold Line (Dispatchers). I hope I didn’t miss any as they so deserve better recognition than just a two toned flag with a stripe of color.