Father of slain officer urges committee to allow 'American blue line' flag to honor fallen law enforcement

Thomas Desario testified to the House Government Oversight Committee in favor of House Bill 75, which sponsors say would add the American "thin blue line" or "American blue line" flag to the list of flags Ohioans may display to honor law enforcement officers.

Desario identified himself as the father of Chief Steven Eric DeSario, who was shot and killed outside a nursing home on May 12, 2017. Desario said his son was 38 at the time and left behind five children; Desario said his son's wife was pregnant and the child was born 10 days after the killing. Desario described displaying the blue line flag to honor his son and said he later faced fines and a requirement from his homeowners association to remove the flag; he said he removed it in 2022 after threats and fines.

"This flag has been draped over coffins of dead officers," Desario said, adding the flag "represents all officers that keep our citizens and yourselves safe." He asked the committee to "please add this flag to the list of flags that can be flown in the great state of Ohio."

Representative Ann Frei, who said she cosponsored a prior version of the bill, said the House passed the measure in the previous General Assembly and expressed hope the legislature would pass it again. The committee concluded the hearing on HB 75 after questions and remarks.

Ending: The committee took testimony but recorded no final vote at the session; further committee action or floor consideration was not recorded in the transcript.