For the last five years, a Thin Blue Line flag has flown outside Thomas DiSario’s home, remembering his son, who was one of three individuals slain at a nursing facility in Licking County, Ohio, after a shooter opened fire.

DiSario, who was the newly appointed police chief in Kirkersville at the time, claimed he received a letter from his homeowners’ association instructing him to take the flag down this week, which is National Police Week.

“It’s been flying since May 12, 2017,” DiSario remarked, referring to his son’s death date. He also added that it only comes down if it is worn out, which he will immediately replace.

The flag was taken down over the winter because the flagpole on DiSario’s property was twisted, and it took until earlier this month to repair it.

The first flag was a gift from Steven Eric DiSario’s law enforcement colleagues, who were the first to react to a call at the Pine Kirk Care Center.

Steven Eric DiSario, 38, was the father of six children, with a seventh on the way.

Every year, National Police Week celebrates individuals who have died while serving the public and defending others, such as DiSario.

On Saturday, Thomas DiSario, a handicapped veteran who requires oxygen due to sarin gas exposure during Operation Desert Storm, discovered someone on his property removing the Thin Blue Line banner and the American flag that flies above it.

DiSario ultimately contacted the Sheriff’s Office of Licking County. Neighbors also spotted the man and helped describe him, according to the deputy who arrived, but the officer was unable to find him.

DiSario then got a letter from the Omni Community Community Managers on Monday, stating that the Thin Blue Line banner was a political symbol and had to be removed due to association rules.

The individual who arrived to remove the flags was not linked with the Omni Community Association Managers, according to David Dye, president of the Omni Community Association Managers.

DiSario’s flag is still flying outside his house.