Firefighters craft American flag using hoses

Firefighters at Mountain Brook Fire Department recently banded together to bring a bit more spirit to Station 1.

With the station approaching its third year in existence, Battalion Chief David Kennedy said they wanted to create something that showed off the character of the station. Kennedy and Deputy Fire Chief Chris Mullins got the idea of constructing an American flag out of fire hoses from a similar project at the Birmingham Fire Department.

“We wanted something patriotic,” Kennedy said. “The bay needed some character.”

One difference in the projects, Mullins said, is the state of fire hoses used. While Birmingham’s flag is made of well-used hoses, Mountain Brook ordered theirs new.

“It fits Mountain Brook,” Mullins said. “It’s a little more special because we got to make it.”

Kennedy added that they do not use their fire hoses as often as Birmingham FD does, and while they use several different hoses for different purposes, they did not have any red or blue ones that could be used in the flag.

After deciding to construct the flag, Mullins and Kennedy decided to present the final project at the department’s Christmas party and were faced with a deadline just a few weeks away.

They set to work planning the layout of hose couplings, star stenciling and word placement before recruiting other fire fighters to help. The project was like a jigsaw puzzle, Kennedy said, and they worked to get the right look for the parts of the flag.

Kennedy said several fire fighters at the station also have construction experience, and they helped build a sturdy flag.

“It’s built well. It won’t come apart,” he said.

Presenting the flag at the Christmas party helped ensure family members who are not often in the bay could see the finished project, Mullins said.

“Everyone has loved it though,” Kennedy said. “Everyone has been crazy about it.”