Arlington Police Chief Julie Flaherty announced today that the Arlington Police Department was marking LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with the debut of the department’s off-road “mule” wrapped in the colors of the progress Pride flag.
The mule is used for emergency responses that require search and rescue efforts in off-road areas such as the bike path, wooded areas, and the golf course. It is also used for community events such as Touch-A-Truck. The progress Pride flag is an updated version of the traditional rainbow Pride flag that includes light blue, pink, and white stripes to represent members of the trans and nonbinary community and black and brown stripes to represent members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are also BIPOC and/or living with HIV.
The mule was stationed at two of the three crosswalk paintings organized by the Arlington LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission to assist with traffic safety and to show support for LGBTQIA+ community members.
On Thursday, June 1, Captain Richie Flynn and Captain Brendan Kiernan assisted with traffic patrol while about 50 residents of all ages spray-painted the crosswalks at Mass Ave and Pleasant Ave rainbow colors. On Thursday, June 5, Captain Flynn and Lieutenant Flynn directed traffic while about 40 residents painted the crosswalks at Mass Ave and Lake Street rainbow colors. On Monday, June 13, Captain Flynn and Lieutenant Kerr directed traffic while about 30 residents painted the crosswalks at Mass Ave and Park Ave.
“We appreciate the efforts made by the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission to celebrate Pride month safely,” said Chief Flaherty, noting that the department has assisted with the annual Pride-themed crosswalk painting since 2017. “But we really appreciate our partnership with the Rainbow Commission in building trust across the community.”
In 2021, the Rainbow Commission provided technical assistance to APD on its policy for interacting with gender diverse residents. A year after the new policy was implemented, Lieutenant Greg Flavin attended a Rainbow Commission meeting and reported that the new policy was making a positive difference.
Also in 2021, APD worked with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to bring training to APD officers and command staff as well as interested community members around hate crime response and prevention training.
“We value our collaborative relationship with Chief Flaherty and the APD overall,” said Rainbow Commission Co-Chair Helene Newberg. “The annual crosswalk painting is a lot of fun and it’s a great way to build community among people of all ages and identities and we’re happy that we can do it safely with the support of the department.”
Interested in attending a Pride Month event in town? View upcoming Pride celebration events below. All are welcome!
Upcoming Pride Celebration Events:
LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Pride Celebration
- Date:06/17/2023 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location:Whittemore Park
Massachusetts Ave & Mystic Street
Arlington, Massachusetts 02476 - Join the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commissions on Saturday June 17 at Whittemore Park for Arlington’s Pride Celebration! From 2-5pm enjoy food, music and more! All ages welcome.
Pride Part for Arlington & Beyond Seniors!
- Date: 06/20/2023 2:00 PM
- Location: Arlington Senior Center
27 Maple Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476
- Co-sponsored by the Arlington CoA, Contact Marci at 781-316-3419 to RSVP and for more info
For questions or concerns for the Commission, contact rainbow@town.arlington.ma.us.