This flag holds a story that still gives us chills.
Back in December 2022, during one of our community adventures, we met Mr. Heath at a fall festival. He stopped at our table, smiled, and introduced himself as part of the Columbia County SORT Team. He didn’t rush. He didn’t walk by. He stayed—and he taught our kids what it truly means to serve.
He explained that his job is to protect our community, to find those who harm others, and to bring accountability to those who try to run from it. Our young entrepreneurs listened wide-eyed, realizing for the first time that heroes don’t just live in movies—they walk among us.
Not long after, his entire team signed one of our wooden American flags and returned it to us as a thank-you for honoring their work. Every signature, every note on the back of that flag carries the weight of courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood.
And then came the moment we’ll never forget.
An unmarked car pulled into the driveway. A knock on the door. Standing there was Mr. Heath—in full tactical gear. Our business owner nearly fainted. We laugh now, but in that moment, it hit us: imagine being someone who does wrong and seeing that kind of presence show up at your door. Powerful. Real. Unforgettable.
He handed us back the signed flag. On the front, a photo of his team standing strong together, holding one of our flags. On the back, their names—men who leave warm meals, holidays, and their families behind when duty calls.
We gave Mr. Heath a personal flag in return, but truly, we could never give enough.
This flag is not just wood and paint.
It is bravery.
It is sacrifice.
It is love for community.
To our young patriots, this flag is a reminder that there are men and women guarding our freedom every hour of the day. They ask for nothing in return—only our respect, our gratitude, and that we never forget what they give up for us.
And we never will.
NYSP Columbia County Search Warrant Team