MADISON, Wis. --
Local firefighters are honoring those they've lost.
A blue and gold memorial flag will now fly at Madison fire stations when any member dies, no matter if it's in the line of duty, off duty, after disability or even following retirement.
Longtime firefighter Richard "Butch" Butler, now retired, came up with the idea so everyone will know it’s a fellow firefighter, not a veteran, who has passed away when the flag flies at half staff.
"The fire department is quite unique," said Butler. "We live with one another 24 hours a day. It gets to be like a family member, and, even if you go from station, you know everybody."
The flag will fly at half staff, below the American flag, during the duration of the burial.
The memorial flag was lowered for the first time last week following the death of firefighter Boomer Anderson.
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