Homeowner ‘hurt’ by HOA citation for red and blue lights honoring first responders

PEORIA, Ariz. (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) - An Arizona father says he’s not giving up the fight against his homeowners association, which wants him to get rid of the red and blue lights outside his house that he uses to honor first responders.

For the past five years, Gene Sweeney has honored police, firefighters and military personnel by having colored lights outside his home in Peoria from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. He insists he’s never heard any complaints about the lights until a couple of months ago.

That’s when he received a violation notice from the WestWing Homeowners Association stating that the colored exterior lights are not allowed and must be replaced.

“I was shocked and a little bit hurt,” Sweeney said. “There’s an officer down the block who always gives me a nice wave and salute, like, ‘I appreciate it, Gene.’”

Sweeney says he comes from a law enforcement family and is very involved in nonprofits that support police and firefighters. He recently appealed the HOA’s decision but received an email stating the appeal was denied.

“I really feel passionate about it,” he said. “I don’t want to get fined, but hopefully, they’ll see the sanity in this, and we can move on to something more important.”

Sweeney says he understands his community has rules that everyone must follow but believes when it comes to supporting the people who protect us, there can be some exceptions.

“Respect the blue, respect firemen and respect the military, that’s my salute,” Sweeney said. “I don’t think it’s kitschy or ugly. I think it’s proud, and I’m proud of it. I don’t see it as a major problem.”

He’s hoping his HOA will reconsider its decision.

The HOA’s management company said it could not comment on the case at this time.