Darien Selectmen To Consider Policy Regarding Displaying Of Flags

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen will discuss and possibly take action on a policy regarding the displaying of flags in town at its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 22.

Linda O'Leary, executive assistant for First Selectman Monica McNally, said the agenda item has always been something the board planned to address.

According to the draft policy attached to the meeting agenda:

"It is the intent of the Town of Darien to establish a Town-wide policy which follows the United States and State of Connecticut provisions governing the display of flags, including the United States flag, the State flag and the Town flag on Town owned buildings and properties, excluding those under the care, custody and control of the Board of Education."

The policy states that in addition to any federal or state protocols or directions, the first selectman (or designee) may order the town of Darien flag to be flown at half-staff for up to one week under the following circumstances:

On the death of any of the following individuals:

• Darien first selectman, former first selectman or first selectman-elect
• Current Darien elected official
• Current Darien department head
• Any other local official, town employee, citizen or other individual deemed by the first selectman to have made significant contributions to the benefit and welfare of the town and citizens of Darien.

Any instance where a town of Darien employee or Darien Emergency Services Volunteer has been killed in the line of duty or has died as a direct result of injuries incurred while in the performance of official duties.

Additionally, the draft policy says, the first selectman shall state the reason or name of the individual in whose honor the flag or flags have been lowered to half-staff in his or her report at the first board of selectmen meeting following the lowering of the flags to half-staff.

Monday's meeting will begin at 7 p.m., from Darien Town Hall.