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It started as a routine call. But by the end of the day on Sunday, July 7, several Darlington Heights firefighters had a chance to give something special back to a homeowner. 

Darlington Heights was called out to a fire Sunday on Abilene Road, as one structure on the property was going up in flames. The structure itself was destroyed, but firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading. After putting out the fire, Darlington Heights firefighters noticed something in the ashes, a burned up American flag. Wanting to help the homeowner and pay tribute to the country, Darlington members made two trips once their work was done. First, they made a trip to Wal-Mart. Second, they returned to the property on Abilene Road. 

“Being recently retired military, I take great pride in our country and the American flag, as I know others I serve with in the fire department do as well,” said Darlington Heights firefighter Brandon Cummings. He retired from the Coast Guard back in February. “Seeing Old Glory burned on a pole like that, we could not let it go uncorrected.” 

And so the firefighters bought a brand new American flag at Wal-Mart, one big enough to match the original that had been lost in the fire. Then, on the weekend after July 4th, as residents still celebrated their independence, the members returned to the scene of the fire to present it to the owner and help him raise it. 

“The appreciation of this small act could be seen on the property owners’ face,” Cummings said, adding that response and just the opportunity to do something to help a community member made it all worth it.