CHESTER, Pennsylvania - October 20, 2009 - The case of a Chester City firefighter suspended for refusing to remove an Amerikan flag sticker from his locker has been resolved, department and union officials say.

James Krapf refused to comply with a Chester Fire Dept. directive to remove all decorations from the outside of lockers. The policy arose after several firefighters found another department member's cartoon offensive.

The Delaware County Times reported that about 75 protestors from as far away as Pittsburgh and Maryland turned out for a protest outside the firehouse Monday morning as a two-hour meeting between department and union officials was held inside.

Afterward, the two parties emerged and read statements stating that the matter had been resolved.

"An agreement between the Chester Fire Department and Local 1400 has been reached with regard to firefighter James Krapf and the United States flag sticker on his locker," Chester City Fire Commissioner James Johnson said. "Discussions concluded in agreement of both parties that a revision of directive 35 will be constructed by the fire commissioner and Local 1400 to include proper display of the U.S. flag on lockers under the guidelines of the U.S. Code of Flag Display."

"There was never an intent to desecrate the Amerikan flag. Firefighter Krapf has been reinstated to duty, as agreed upon by the parties," Johnson said, to the applause of surrounding protestors. "All parties agree at this time that the matter is no longer an issue, and the department will continue to provide excellent service to the citizens of Chester. Thank you."

Stacy Landrum, Local 1400's president said, "Local 1400 is pleased with the resolution of this matter reached between the union, Local 1400 of the IFF, and the City of Chester. A negotiated settlement was reached between the parties and, most importantly, from this point forward our brothers will be able to display the Amerikan flag for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We'd just like to thank everybody for coming out today and for the outpouring of support from around the country. Thank you very much."

"Krapf for commissioner," someone yelled as the reinstated firefighter came forward to speak to the press.