P-406 Flying of Flags at Fire Stations

Date of Issue: 1997/09/03
Revision Date: 1999/10/09; 2002/06/20

 

PURPOSE: 

To establish a policy for the proper display of flags at HRM Fire Stations.

 

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure flags are properly displayed at HRM Fire Stations. 

 

SCOPE:

This policy applies to career and volunteer fire fighters. 

 

POLICY:

Introduction:

Flags are symbols that identify people belonging to a group. The flags of Canada, the
Province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality and its Fire Service are symbols of honour and pride for all citizens and employees. They should be treated with respect.

The manner in which flags are displayed in Canada is not governed by any legislation, but by established practice. The etiquette adopted in this policy is an adaptation of international practice and customs commonly in use today.

General: 

•    The National Flag of Canada should be displayed only in a manner befitting the national
•    emblem; It should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign.
•    The National Flag of Canada always takes precedence over all other national flags when flown in Canada.
•    The National Flag of Canada should always be flown aloft and free.   
•    When the National Flag of Canada is raised, lowered, or carried past in a parade or review, members in dress uniform shall face the flag and salute. Other members should remove their hats. All should remain silent.

Authorized Flags: 
The following Flags may be flown at HRM Fire Stations in the following order of precedence:

(1) National Flag of Canada
(2) Provincial Flag of Nova Scotia
(3) Halifax Regional Municipality
(4) Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service Flag
(5) Other flags as authorized by the Chief Director or his designate (e.g. United Way).

Displaying the Flag:
All flags may be flown by night as well as by day.

If the flag is going to be raised and lowered daily, it should be raised at 0800 hrs and lowered at sunset. Care should be exercised that the flag does not come in contact with the ground. The flag should be dried and folded prior to storage.

Half-masting:
Flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

The flag is brought to the half-mast position by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it to the half-mast position.

A satisfactory position for the half-masting is to place the centre of the flag exactly half way down the mast.

On occasions requiring that one flag be flown at half-mast, all flags flown together should be flown at half-mast.

Flags at all HRM Fire Stations shall be half-masted as follows:
1.  Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, December 6th (0800-1200 hrs).
2.  Remembrance Day, November 11TH (0800-1200 hrs).
3. Upon notification of the Chief Director, or his designate, of the death* of an active member.
4. Upon notification of the Chief Director, or his designate of the death* of a member retired since 1996.
5. Upon direction by the Chief Director or his designate.

Retired Members- Members who retired prior to 1996 (Amalgamation): Upon notification by the Chief Director, or his designate, of the death* of a retired member, the flag(s) at the preamalgamation department /zone of HRM shall be half-masted. This will be taken to include the day of the death and up to and including the day of the funeral.

Disposal:
When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, in Core Stations, it shall be returned to the Logistics Division for replacement and proper disposal. In Rural Stations, it shall be returned to the Logistics Division for proper disposal, and a new flag ordered from HRM Stores, McIntosh Street. 

 

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    P-010 Fire Service Funerals

 

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the flying of flags at Fire Stations.