Couple donates fire hose flag to Sports Stop

In honor of the victims of 9/11, Canyon Lakers Michael and Angie Bazaldua donated an American flag made out of fire hoses to the Sports Stop in the Towne Center. The couple presented the flag to Sports Stop owner Ria Riley on Sept. 11.

The flag was handmade by Napa fireman Ryan Chagonjian, who made it out of retired fire hoses that were used to fight the October 2017 Northern California wildfires. Ryan spent nine days fighting the fires.

Ryan has been making the flags to raise money for charity since 2014. “I make the flags on my days off,” said Ryan. “Each flag takes about seven to eight hours to make.”

The flags have raised more than $70,000 for charities, some raising as much as $11,000 at auction.

Michael and Angie donated the flag to the Sports Stop because it’s one of their favorite places in the community. “The Sports Stop is a staple in our community and the owner is amazing,” said Michael.

Ria said she is honored to receive such a generous gift. “It hangs proudly on the wall where it will be enjoyed for years to come,” she said. “It’s our most prized possession.”