Mattapoisett Fire & Rescue the Latest Stop for Traveling American Flag

Mattapoisett Fire & Rescue got a special delivery on Monday when a thin red line flag showed up, adorned with dozens of signatures from other departments around the country. The flag is currently traveling the country to honor fallen Spring Valley Fire Department, NY Second Lieutenant Jared Lloyd, thanks to an organization called Ruck for the Fallen.

“I think it’s such a great idea,” said Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray. “I had never heard of the program, but it’s an awesome way to honor someone and spread awareness about fallen members.”

Ruck for the Fallen is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for families who have lost a first responder, an active military member or veteran in the line of duty or who are experiencing mental, emotional, and physical effects incurred by the risks they face every day.

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Their latest mission is to spread awareness about Lieutenant Lloyd, who lost his life in a structure fire at a nursing home with 112 non-ambulatory residents. Mattapoisett Fire & Rescue explained on Facebook that “2nd Lt. Lloyd and his crew are responsible for several rescues before he was trapped on the 3rd floor attempting to continue rescue efforts.”

To spread awareness of the organization and to keep the spirits of fallen responders alive, the flag will continue to travel around the country before it makes its return to New York.

“We received the flag from Marion, and then we sent it out to Rochester,” Chief Murray said. “It brought everyone together, it’s good for the departments to work together like that.”

Several Mattapoisett Fire & Rescue members got a chance to sign the flag before it was sent out to Rochester to continues its journey.

Mattapoisett Fire & Rescue was honored to be one of the stops on the flag’s tour as Ruck for the Fallen continues to shine a light on these modern-day heroes.