With controversy growing over the use of the Confederate flag in places across the country, the police department in the small town of Gettysburg, South Dakota has found itself in the center of the debate over the patch worn by its officers.
The patch shows the United States flag next to the Confederate flag, and department officials claim that it depicts the history of the town, which was founded by Civil War veterans from both sides that settled there in the 1880s after the war had ended.
Some people voicing their opinion on social media and locally say a flag from the confederate side shouldn't be on the police department's patch, but Gettysburg Police Chief William Wainman disagrees.
"I'm sorry they feel that way. It is in no way, shape or form meant to be offensive," Wainman told KELO-TV. "Absolutely no racism whatsoever behind this. This truly goes to the history of Gettysburg."
On Monday, the police department posted this on its Facebook page:
"Our new profile picture is the patch worn on the uniforms of the Gettysburg Police Department. It is not racist and it will not be changed. It is representative of the history of the City of Gettysburg. If you think different, please visit our museum to learn why this is so. Thanks and have a great day!!"
The city's nickname is "Where the Battle Wasn't," and it is sister cities with Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A memorial outside the nearby Potter County courthouse recognizes both Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War.
Patch designer Scott Barksdale, who has a background in both law enforcement and history, worked with a former Gettysburg police chief in 2009 to create the patch. He said that he chose the design to show unification as the Union and Confederate flags cross.
