Jim Krapf, Chester, Pa., Firefighter, Suspended Without Pay for Refusing to Remove Sticker of U.S. Flag from His Locker

Firefighter James Krapf, of Chester, Pa., was suspended without pay last Thursday after he refused to peel a sticker of the American flag from his locker. In an interview with NBC Philadelphia, the 11-year veteran said, "It's pride.... it's a matter of pride." Apparently a new department rule stipulates that all stickers and statements whether union, cartoon or political, be stripped from lockers after several offensive and racist images showed up in the firehouse. 

Krapf said he thought the U.S. flag was safe. Well, this time around he was dead wrong. Though I find it utterly ridiculous that he was told to peel the sticker from his locker, I do understand that rules are rules and should be followed. The problem is that the actions of a few in the fire house has affected everyone else. Surely there must be some middle ground on this issue. This man does not deserve to be suspended without pay over his refusal to remove a sticker of the flag from his locker.

The firefighters' union is squarely behind him, as evidenced from Stacy Landrum, union president's statement that,"We applaud Jim Krapf because these colors don't run."  According to NBC Philadelphia, Krapf, who was turned away from the station again Friday, plans to stand his ground. "It's the American flag, we should be able to fly it wherever we want…I don’t believe it's offensive to anyone," he said. The issue and Krapf's fate is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting on Monday.