“I am veryproud to have hadthe opportunity to make it forCongressman Michael Guest.”Local firefighter, Captain Steven Dedmonshares his own patriotism and sense of brotherhoodwith a unique and beautiful dedication tothe flag. He repurposes old and out of servicefirehoses into stunning works of art honoringAmerica and fellow firefighters and policeofficers.Currently serving as captain with the City ofBrandon Fire Department, Dedman has dedicatedthe last 28 years of his life as a professional firefighter.He and his wife of 34 years, Becky, proudlycall Pearl, Mississippi their home. There theyhave raised their five children and have becomedoting grandparents to seven grandchildren.The Dedmons’ two sons have taken after theirfather and chosen to serve the citizens of Brandonas public servants themselves, one serving as apolice officer and the other a fire captain/paramedic.Dedmon said, “I was inspired by otherfirefighters that had taken old firehose and madeAmerican flags with it.” His stunning creationshave gained local attention among his fellowpublic servants. Some of them can be seenhanging in various fire departments and officesof local law enforcement. One of his creationshangs in the foyer of Mississippi CongressmanMichael Guest’s office. He added, “I am veryproud to have had the opportunity to make itfor him.”Late last year, local Madison County DeputyBrad Sullivan was injured in the line of duty.Dedmon was inspired to make a “thin blue line”flag to show support for Sullivan. The “thin blueline” is a phrase that refers figuratively to theposition of police in society as the force whichhold back chaos. The blue refers to the color ofthe police uniform itself. Pieces of hose weredonated by Pearl, Richland, Reservoir, Flowood,Byram, Ridgeland, Jackson, Gluckstadt, Madison,Clinton, and Canton fire departments alongwith the Mississippi Fire Academy. Dedmonstated, “This flag is very special to me because theentire fire service in the surrounding area cametogether to help an injured brother.”To further show his support, he dedicated histime and talent into creating two additional flagswhich he eagerly donated to local fundraisers tohelp raise money for Deputy Sullivan. Dedmontakes such pride in his work and helping hisfellow brothers and is planning to constructmore flags for fundraisers for Sullivan for “as longas he needs help.”Flags take approximately 3-6 days to create.The actual construction takes patience anddedication, along with skill and precision. Oncea hose is found and decommissioned, or retiredfrom use, it must be cleaned and dried. Dedmonexplained, “Firehose comes in multiple colors sothe natural color is used when possible, but it canbe dyed or painted to get the desired color.”Once the hose has been cut the desired lengthand colored per the particular design or look tobe achieved, it is secured to a plywood backing.Adding to the true labor of love that goes intothe flag’s construction, Dedmon carefully handcuts each of the 50 stars. He said, “I refer to mystars as snowflakes, no two are the same.” Eachflag is a hand-crafted, stunning piece of artworkthat holds a special meaning for everyone luckyenough to have one.Dedmon’s dedication, loyalty, and honor tothe citizens of Brandon and local law enforcementand firefighters can be seen in each of these trulyunique, one of a kind pieces. l46 • JULY 2020
Hometown MADISON • 47