Eagle Scout installs flag retirement box at Bullard Fire Department

Published 5:35 am Thursday, May 9, 2024

Hunter Hassell installed a flag retirement box at the Bullard Fire Department on Tuesday evening as part of his Eagle Scout service project.

“People didn’t know that scouts retired flags or that the fire station took them, so I figured, how about we do a flag retirement box at the fire station because it’s centrally located,” Hassell said.

Firefighters, fellow scouts, friends and family attended the event.

Bullard Fire Chief Peter Riley said community members can bring American flags and drop them in the box to be properly retired.

“I’m proud of Hunter for what he’s doing and contributing to the community,” Riley said. “I think it’s important for him to give back and show the importance of taking care of our American flags.”

Life Scout Hassell is one step closer to earning Scouting America’s highest rank. He said, “This is one of the many things you must do to get to that point.”

Hassell, who has been in scouting since the first grade, reflected on his journey, acknowledging moments when he contemplated quitting. However, these challenges instilled in him the values of perseverance and determination, echoing the Scouting motto to “be prepared” for whatever comes his way.

Scouting has equipped Hassell with practical building skills and an understanding of tool safety. He emphasized his skill in tying various knots, including those for setting up hammocks.

“It taught me how to work with tools and my hands and tie knots,” Hassell said.

Hassell and Riley prepared the site for the flag retirement box installation. Together, they mixed the concrete and laid the slab the day before. The box was wrapped with a patriotic sleeve before being bolted down.

“People bring flags here all the time to be disposed of. We try to get them to people who know how to retire them properly, but this is a great way to have something more official,” Riley said.