The Fire Department Flag

Just yesterday the U.S. flag at my neighborhood fire department was flying at half-staff....again. In fact, I have seen this so often over the last 18 months that I find myself checking for it every time I pass the building.  I felt fairly certain that their intentions were pure, yet it was my understanding that there were guidelines on when and how to do this.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction.

I stand corrected in believing only the President could issue such a proclamation. As I understand it, there are no penalties for incorrect use outside government buildings; however, these are guidelines for preserving the dignity and significance of flying the flag at half-staff so not to trivialize its intended memorial.

My question still remains as to whether or not a local official can make such a decision or request the governor's approval for a local tragedy. If anyone has information specific to this topic, please leave a link in the comments section.

Source: United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 - The Flag  (www.ushistory.org: Copyright ©1996-2009 by the Independence Hall Association, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1942. Online as ushistory.org since July 4, 1995.)