Wethersfield flag controversy prompts family of fallen cop to offer people a way to show their support for police – NBC Connecticut

After the Wethersfield City Council voted this week not to fly the Thin Blue Line flag at TFC Aaron Pelletier’s funeral, one family is taking matters into their own hands.

The family of late Hartford Police Officer Bobby Garten has put up yard signs that say “We Support Cops” and is distributing them to people in the community and across the state.

The City Council rejected the proposal to fly the flag on Wednesday, the day of the fallen soldier’s funeral, citing the city’s flag policy, which requires a 30-day advance request.

Among those voting against the flag was Matthew Forrest, deputy mayor of Wethersfield. During the meeting, he read the Wikipedia definition of the flag.

“It is said here that it has become a symbol of the white nationalist, neo-Nazi and alt-right movements in the United States,” Forrest said.

Members of the public expressed their displeasure in public comments, calling the decision “terrible” and “embarrassing.”

“We’ve always wanted to do a more general sign in support of police and we thought this would be the perfect time,” said Kimber Garten, sister-in-law of Det. Bobby Garten. “There have been a lot of unfortunate events recently and I think it’s important for the Pelletier family and our local and state law enforcement to know that we are here for them and support them.”

On Friday the signs were delivered and there was a steady stream of people picking up their signs.

“We wanted to create something more permanent for police officers that they can always see when they’re on duty. Countless police officers have come up to me and my family and thanked us for the support. We love seeing the blue lights. We love seeing the flag with the blue stripes,” said William Garten, Bobby’s brother.

The Gartens say that for them the flag represents support for the police.

“When we see the blue lines on the shirts, it symbolizes respect for the police, it symbolizes the fallen police officers, it supports them and makes them feel good,” said Garten. “The blue line means support for the police and nothing else.”

They said they would continue to show their support to police officers and families like theirs who are dealing with unimaginable grief.

“Ultimately, we are here to support people who risk their lives for us every day by simply leaving their house. They are not asking for this, they just want to do the best for us and make sure we have a safe community,” added Kimber Garten. “It’s these small gestures that show we are there.”

The Gartens said an anonymous donor up front covered the cost of the signs, making them free. They’re so popular, they said, they may need to order more.