Lakeview High School student leads installation of secure flag retirement box at Battle Creek Police Department

Mayor Mark Behnke said the city now offers a secure, dignified option for retiring worn American flags after Josie, a senior at Lakeview High School and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center, led the project. The box was unveiled Monday, Nov. 10, in the Battle Creek Police Department lobby with attendees including Mayor Behnke, Commissioner Chris Simmons and Josie’s parents, Melissa and Jerry Pollock.

Behnke named additional community partners at the unveiling, including Conrado Campos and Don Smith, leaders of the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary Club, and said the first flags were donated by Commissioner Chris Simmons through the city's recreation department. He noted other flag-retirement options remain available at local American Legion posts and provided addresses mentioned during the report.

Behnke described the police department location as a secure, downtown city facility that affords convenience and visibility; he said the department includes many veterans who commended Josie’s work.