Ashby first responders rescue American flag from downed flag pole

ASHBY, Mass. — In a Facebook feed of downed trees and power lines, a series of photos posted by an Ashby resident stuck out.

Katie Lagasse Dufour captured Police Sergeant Derek Pepple and Deputy Fire Chief Sean Sheridan respectfully folding an American flag that was attached to flag pole toppled by the high winds.

First responders were called to a home on Damon Road Monday for a report of downed wires.

When they looked over at a neighbor's house, they saw the downed pole with the American flag still attached. They unhooked and folded the flag, then returned it to its owner.

"This small town wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing first responders," Lagasse Dufour told Boston 25 News. "The respect and dedication they show to our town and country on a daily basis is admirable."

Fire Chief Mike Bussell and Police Chief Fred Alden report Ashby Police, Fire and Highway Departments were dispatched to approximately 14 cases of fallen trees or damaged wires. During the height of the damage, several roads including Erickson, Hosmer, Pine, Fort Hill and Deer Bay Roads were closed. All streets have since re-opened.

Unitil Gas and Electric is actively working to restore service where outages occurred. Residents can track service restoration progress using Unitil's outage map, which can be accessed here.

Cox Media Group