As we reported on Friday afternoon, the Newberry Fire Department has a permanent location for the community to properly dispose of worn and/or torn American flags thanks to Pomaria Scout Troop 76.

Will Smith selected Newberry Fire Department as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout Project for his scout troop, providing the department with a decorative box to properly dispose of worn and/or torn American flags.

“We have taken in flags for some time now but have never had a drop box for the public to use,” said Fire Chief Gene Shealy. “Our local Woodmen of the World picks the flags up and properly retires them as needed.”

The disposal box is located at the Newberry Fire Department’s station at 1041 Wilson Road in Newberry. Visitors will find the box located in the parking lot next to the aluminum can recycling trailer, Shealy said.

“The community can come by, open the box and place their old American flag inside,” he said. “We ask that only American flags be placed in the box.”

Other scout members joined Smith in completing his Eagle Scout Project and in addition to installing the box, they also pressure washed the fire department’s front walkway and repainted lines in their parking lot.

“We are very thankful to Will and all of Troop 76 for their hard work and service,” Shealy said. “The guys did a great job!”