The Hingham Fire Department in Massachusetts was just forced to remove Thin Blue Line flags that they had put up to honor fallen police officers.

The flags were reportedly put up on the anniversary of the death of Officer Michael Chesna, who was killed in the line of duty in 2018. Sadly, the flags have now been deemed to be “offensive,” as have most pro-police symbols.

“We continued to fly the flags after the anniversary in support of the law enforcement officers in our own community, as well as all law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day,” the Hingham Fire Department said in a statement. “At NO TIME, was this meant to be a political statement in any way. Nor was it an attempt to show support for, or against, any specific political party or advocacy group…While the members of Local 2398 are not pleased with the decision to remove the flags, we will continue our unwavering support for all the men and women of law enforcement who bravely protect their communities day in and day out.”

Some social media commenters have let it be known that they do not agree with the removal of the flags.

“It’s a shame that that little particular line is more important than the man’s life,” one person commented, with another adding, “You know the black lives matter movement is important, too, and it’s important to honor police officers, too, that die in the line of duty.”

Others have stood by the Thin Blue Line flags, and by American police officers.

“People put their own meanings on things and they take on a life of their own,” Braintree Police Chief Mark Dubois said. “From my understanding, that flag is intended to honor those who’ve fallen in the line of duty, people like Sgt. Chesna.”