Original 'Thin Blue Line' Flag To Be Raised By Solon Police

SOLON, OH — The original "Thin Blue Line" flag will be raised at Solon Police headquarters, the city announced.

An altered version of the American flag, with a single blue line running through the middle, was raised last month at the building. The flag was flown outside the police department for five weeks, said Lt. William Vajdich.

That flag was flown alongside the U.S. flag, the Ohio flag and the Solon flag. The flag prompted some residents to complain via social media and to Mayor Ed Kraus' office.

Solon Police Chief Richard Tonelli said the flag is intended as a memorial to police officers who died in the line-of-duty. However, the flag has also become a symbol of opposition to the racial justice movement that saw renewed momentum after the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.

The decision was then made to remove the flag, which prompted further debate online. Some residents claimed city officials were abandoning support for police, others said removing the flag was a step toward supporting racial justice.

On Friday, however, Kraus announced that the original "Thin Blue Line" flag would be raised in its place. The mayor hopes a change in symbols will deescalate the mounting political tensions in Solon.

Unlike the more recent Thin Blue Line flag, the original design is a black background with a single blue stripe cutting through the middle. It is not a variation of the U.S. flag.

"Displaying the original Thin Blue Line flag is a measure that embodies the respect, admiration and support the heroic men and women of law enforcement deserve and have earned. But it is just one act," Kraus said in a statement. "To truly embrace the spirit of the flag, we must put these ideals into action. This means being good citizens, respecting our neighbors and being kind to all those around us."

The flag was raised on Friday.