This post in no way intends to show disrespect for the family of Clarence West who died in the fire in Wintersville. By all means I would like to extend my sincerest of sympathy to them . I did not know him personally but as I have been out and about in the past week or so I have heard many talking of what a fine and giving man he was to most anyone he met and came to know. There is no doubt in my mind he will be greatly missed by many in the Village of Wintersville.

What I do have a problem with is the Mayor of Wintersville, Robert Gale just taking it upon himself to order the American flag to be flown at half staff in honor of this man and the unfortunate accident which took his life. Mr. Gale without a doubt over stepped his authority in issuing this order. It is proper flag protocol for only the President of the United States to issue such an order. This honor is usually only given in the event of passing of a member of the federal government, i.e.,Senator, Congressman, Governors, high ranking military personell,etc., This act is offensive to some veterans who take the American flag to mean much more than just a large piece of cloth with some stars and stripes on it.

As far as I have learned that while some consider Mr. West a "hero" for his allegedly returning to his burning establishment to try to save a tennant, no one will really ever know for sure why he chose to enter that burning building. That answer is lost along with Mr. West's life.

Mr. Gale could have under correct protocol ordered the flying at half mast the City flag under the American flag. He does have the authority to issue that order. But, as usual , in Mr. Gale's world he says and does what he wants and if someone does not like it that is just too bad. Possibly this makes him feel more powerful and God like. If this offends any of us, too bad!

Again I will state that this really is written without any intention of disrespect to Mr. West or his family. To a good many people he was a good samaritan and even a hero. But, I can't help thinking that having the flag of his town lowered in his honor and possibly even presenting one to his family would held much more meaning.

My deepest sympathy to his family at this time. May he rest in peace.

I don't believe you are arguing over a flag when a great man lost his life. I did not train under Master West, but my son did. I did not serve in the military, but I serve my community in law enforcement. You are all missing the point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A brave man that serves and given so much to the community especially the children and the young adults has passed. God bless his family and all that knew him.

I trained under Master Clarence West. I'm also serving in the military and I'm a veteran. I don't see a problem with lowering the flag for him. Actually, not one soldier I know had a problem with it. I understand theres regulations but I don't see it as disrespectful to veterans. That man deserved that kind of recognition. America has lost a great American.

My teacher, my mentor, Master West was by far one of the bravest man I have ever known. Not only was he a father figure to so many, but a hero too. Master West use to sit in class telling us about respect and honor and how EVERY night he'd pray for our service men and women. The mayor only suggested it, not fully ordered it. Like Bill said only our Commander can do that. But why get all worked up over that. Our Valley lost a hero. Does it matter that he wasn't in the service? It shoudn't. He served his community, students, and church. He didn't serve in the military, but he did serve. Why disrespect a hero? Why say that it he HAS to be military. You don't have to be military to be a hero. My teacher showed us all that. So why, Bill? So why, "me"? Can't you just let my HERO get respected?

Bil your correct!! I do not want to take anyhting away from Mr. West, but to do this dishonors all those who fought and died to secure this Flag!! All to often small cities and towns take it upon themseleves to lower the flag in the honor of hometown hero's and to lower the City Flag is one thing but to lower the national flag is an insulat and dishonor to thos emen and women who fought and died to defend it!!

have no doubt that Clarence West acted heroically in going back into his burning buidling because he believed taht a young woman was trapped inside. Wintersville should honor his efforts. What I can't believe is that the Mayor of Winersville and Channel 7 would dishonor him by ordering and reporting respectively that the flag was lowered to honor him. The mayor of Wintersville canordered the city flag to be flown at half staff. Only the President of the united States cna order the Americna flag flown at half staff.