A man raised a memorial flag on his property in memory of his heroic son who was killed in the line of duty. However, when the homeowner’s association tried to order him to take it down, this proud father had other ideas.
For years, Thomas DiSario has been honoring the memory of his son who was killed in the line of duty. In an effort to remember his son, he flew a Thin Blue Line flag in his front yard – a gesture which eventually became a problem for his community.
DiSario’s son was Steven Eric DiSario, Kirkersville Police Chief who was shot and killed while responding to a call at a nursing home. When it came time to apprehend the suspect, 43-year-old Thomas Hartless, Steven made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hartless went on to kill two female nursing home employees before committing suicide shortly after.
Thomas decided that this tragedy should not be forgotten and so he hung up the flag as a memorial for his fallen son. It flew below an American flag on a pole in front of his Ohio residence without incident until someone complained about it recently – forcing him into an unexpected fight with those around him.
Two days after the bizarre incident involving someone taking down the memorial flag from Thomas’ property (which he called the police about but they were unable to track down), he received a letter from Omni Community Association Managers ordering that he take it down because it is considered “political sign” according to their rules – something which Thomas disagrees with passionately as it only “represents my son and nothing else”.
The association president explained that these rules are detailed in filings with county recorder though it is unclear how exactly “political sign” is defined and who gets to decide what qualifies as such thing. This made things even more complicated for Thomas DiSario who refuses to take this banner down or pay any fines for not doing so within 10-days time limit given by them.
People have different opinions about whether or not Thomas should comply with HOA’s orders or stand up against them by refusing their demands and going through court proceedings if necessary.
Some argue that when purchasing home in area one agrees automatically follow certain set of regulations while others believe this case highlights importance of being aware of rules imposed by HOAs since they can be interpreted however they want regardless if there is lack clarity regarding definition of “political signs”.
Despite having faced criticism from both sides, Mr DiSario has remained firm on decision not take down banner honoring memory of late Steven Eric DiSariono matter what may come out court ruling – though details future steps remain unknown at this point.
