Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2010 --- 7:50 a.m.

Press Release from the Madison Fire Department:

The City of Madison Fire Department is establishing a new tradition with the adoption of a Memorial Flag. The idea came from retired Madison firefighter Richard “Butch” Butler. Butler shared his idea with Fire Chief Debra Amesqua, and with her support carried the project through to completion.

The flag will honor members of the Department who have died, whether in the line of duty, off duty, duty disability or following retirement. The Madison Fire Department flag will be flown at half staff under the American flag at each City of Madison Fire Station for a period of mourning as specified by Department policy.

Butler started with the City of Madison Fire Department on March 19, 1967. He was promoted to Lieutenant on April 24, 1983 at Fire Station #5. He became a Fire Inspector on March 15, 1992 was promoted to Lieutenant in the Fire Inspection Division on March 29, 1992 and retired on January 24, 1997. The flag gives the City of Madison an opportunity to pay tribute to the dedication of service provided by Fire Department personnel.

The Department offers its gratitude to Mr. Butler for his careful thought and attention to this project.