A flag flown during a life-saving mission in Iraq was gifted to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office by a patrol deputy and military member.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Deputy Cody Kleiner, who is also a member of the U.S. Army, presented a very special U.S. flag to Sheriff Chad Chronister at the HCSO Law Enforcement Memorial at the Sheriff's Operations Center in Ybor City. The flag was flown over a combat zone on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter conducting Medevac operations over Iraq on July 6, 2019. Deputy Kleiner served as the helicopter pilot. During that mission, a military service member's life was saved.
A certificate of authenticity was created and signed by the pilots, medics and crew chiefs on the mission. To honor his fellow service members who did not make it home and to thank his fellow deputies who are also dedicated to serving both their community and their country, Deputy Kleiner wanted to gift the flag to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office District III Office where he works.
"We are thankful for the sacrifices of all of our service members, especially those who gave their lives for our freedom. I'm so proud to say that we have several deputies like Deputy Kleiner who are both local law enforcement officers and military members. They are truly dedicated to a life of service," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I look forward to proudly displaying this U.S. flag in our District III Office."
Video of the flag presentation can be shared from the HCSO social media accounts, @HCSOSheriff, and viewed on the HCSO YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A703b_Aa90I&feature=youtu.be