HALF-STAFF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
What is the proper procedure to fly your flag at half-staff?
Who can order half-staffing?
What about half-staff to honor other citizens?
What if you can't lower your flag?
HALF - STAFF ALERTS
ARIZONA: January 24, 2020 - In honor of First Officer Paul Hudson
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, January 24, 2020, to honor First Officer Paul Hudson. A resident of Buckeye, AZ, Hudson was killed Wednesday in a plane crash while battling wildfires in New South Wales, Australia.
“First Officer Paul Hudson was a hero who represented Arizona’s very best,” said Governor Ducey. “A graduate of the Naval Academy, First Officer Hudson served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a firefighter. Then, when duty called again, First Officer Hudson didn’t hesitate, putting his life on the line to help others battling wildfires in Australia. My sincere condolences go out to First Officer Hudson’s family and loved ones. And our prayers are with them and all Arizona’s firefighters providing aid in Australia.
“In honor of First Officer Hudson’s life and years of service, I’ve ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff.” Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
VIRGINIA: January 24, 2020 - In honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ian P. McLaughlin
Governor’s Flag Order for the Commonwealth of Virginia:
In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ian P. McLaughlin, of Newport News, Virginia.
I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Friday, January 24, 2020, and remain at half-staff until sunset.
Ordered on this, the 23rd day of January, 2020.
Sincerely,
Ralph S. Northam
WYOMING: January 24, 2020 - In honor of Wamsutter paramedic Michael Wilder
Governor Mark Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flag be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Friday, January 24, 2020 in honor of Wamsutter paramedic Michael Wilder, who died in the line of duty on January 11.
TEXAS: January 23 to 25, 2020 - In honor of U.S. Army Specialist Miguel A. Villalon
U.S. Army Specialist Miguel A. Villalon was killed in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, while conducting operations as part of Freedom’s Sentinel. Texas is proud of this brave native Texan who gave the last full measure of devotion to his country. It is appropriate that flags fly at half-staff in his honor.
Therefore, pursuant to Sections 3100.065 and 443.024(e) of the Texas Government Code and Title 4 of the U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq), the flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America shall be lowered to half-staff at the Capitol building on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in honor of the life and military service of U.S. Army Specialist Miguel A. Villalon. Flags at the Capitol should return to full-staff at sunset on the same day. Pursuant to the direction of the Cameron County Judge, U.S. and Texas flags may be lowered to half-staff immediately in the county and in any surrounding counties through the date of the final interment on January 25, 2020.
Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the same length of time. Our prayers for comfort are extended to the Villalon family in their time of grief. I urge all Texans to appropriately remember the sacrifice Specialist Villalon made for Texas and the United States.
MICHIGAN: January 23, 2020 - In honor of Army Specialist Bradley Walsh
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Thursday, January 23 to honor the service of Army Specialist Bradley Walsh and coincide with his funeral.
“Our state mourns the loss of Army Specialist Bradley Walsh as he is laid to rest,” Whitmer said. “We are grateful for his selfless service to our state and nation in the United States Army. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.” Specialist Bradley Walsh was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on January 14, 1998 and grew up in Hillman, Michigan. After graduating from Otsego Adult Education in 2017, Walsh joined the United States Army. He was stationed with the 73rd Transportation Company, 10th Transportation BN, 7th Transportation BDE at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. Specialist Bradley Walsh was in his third year of active duty when he died on January 8, 2020 at the age of 21 years old. His remains were flown to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids on Friday, January 17. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church before he is laid to rest at Harwick Cemetery in Mattawan, Michigan on Thursday, January 23.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Specialist Walsh by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday, January 24.
HAWAII: January 20 to 24, 2020 - In honor of Honolulu Police Department officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama
From Governor Ige: "I have ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, immediately until sunset on Friday, Jan. 24.
"This action is taken to honor Honolulu Police Department officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama who were shot and killed in the line of duty on Jan. 19. "Flags will also be flown at half-mast from sunrise until sunset on the day of services for each of the fallen officers. Notification will be provided when information about the services is available. "These officers paid the ultimate price to ensure the safety of our community. As we honor their sacrifice, we grieve with their families. Our entire state mourns the loss of two Honolulu Police officers killed in the line of duty this morning. As we express our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues, let us also come together to help and support those who have been forever changed by this tragedy."
ILLINOIS: January 18, 2020 - In honor of SPC Henry Jarrett "Mitch" Mayfield Jr.
Honoring Illinois' Fallen
United States and Illinois flags at half-staff immediately until sunset on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all person or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor and remembrance of: SPC Henry Jarrett "Mitch" Mayfield Jr. United States Army Hometown: Hazel Crest, Illinois Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel until: Sunset on Saturday, January 18, 2020
MINNESOTA: January 17, 2020 - In honor of Howard Lake Chief Daryl "Taddy" Drusch
Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Fire Chief Daryl 'Taddy' Drusch
[ST. PAUL, MN] - In honor and remembrance of Howard Lake Fire Chief Daryl "Taddy" Drusch, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, January 17, 2020. "Fire Chief Daryl 'Taddy' Drusch dedicated 30 years of exemplary service to the Howard Lake Fire and Rescue/Ambulance Service, serving as chief since 2014," reads the proclamation from Governor Walz. "With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Fire Chief Drusch for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community." Fire Chief Drusch died at home on January 13, 2020, of a suspected heart attack hours after responding to an emergency call. His death is Minnesota's first line-of-duty fire service death of 2020. Fire Chief Drusch is survived by his wife, Julie; his son, Taylor; several siblings; and many fellow firefighters, friends, and community members.
TEXAS: January 14 to 19, 2020 - In honor of Lubbock Fire Rescue Lieutenant Eric Hill and Police Officer Nicholas Reyna
Governor Greg Abbott says flags in Lubbock shall immediately be lowered to half-staff in honor of the life and public service of Lubbock Fire Rescue Lieutenant Eric Hill and Lubbock Police Officer Nicholas Reyna, who were both killed in the line of duty while responding to a call. Flags may remain at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Flags should return to full-staff the following day.
NORTH CAROLINA: January 13 to 19, 2020 - In honor of SSG Ian Paul McLaughlin and Pfc. Miguel Angel Villalon
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered immediately to Half-Staff beginning Monday, January 13, 2020, in honor of US Staff Sgt. Ian Paul McLaughlin of Virginia and Pfc. Miguel Angel Villalon of Illinois, who lost their lives while conducting combat operations on Saturday in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. McLaughlin and Pfc. Villalon were both paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, NC. McLaughlin, who joined the Army in 2012 and served as a squad leader, is survived by his wife and four children. Villalon, who joined the Army in 2018 as a combat engineer and was on his first deployment, is survived by his mother and father.
Flags are to remain at Half-Staff through sunset on January 19, 2020. Statement from Governor Roy Cooper: "Our hearts are heavy with the loss of two brave paratroopers in Afghanistan. To honor their memories, I order the flags to Half-Staff." As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
MARYLAND: January 12, 2020 - In honor of former State Senator and Delegate Ulysses S. Currie
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan ordered the Maryland State Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, January 12, 2020. This action is in honor of former State Senator and Delegate Ulysses S. Currie, who died December 27, 2019.
MISSOURI: January 11, 2020 - In honor of Firefighter – Paramedic Charles McCormick
Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Cass County and firehouses across the state on Saturday, January 11, 2020, in honor of West Peculiar Fire Protection District Firefighter – Paramedic Charles McCormick.
Governor Parson also ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City. On January 5, Firefighter – Paramedic McCormick, who was 30 years old, died in the line of duty while fighting a residential fire in Peculiar, Missouri, in Cass County. His funeral will be held on January 11.
“Firefighter – Paramedic Charles McCormick lived his life as a devoted public servant committed to protecting others,” Governor Parson said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice, and he will always be remembered for his legacy of bravely serving his community, state, and nation so that others could be safe. Firefighter – Paramedic McCormick’s tragic passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of Missouri’s fire service, who take on risks each day to protect their neighbors and people they may never meet.” Before joining the fire service, Firefighter – Paramedic McCormick served as a member of the Missouri National Guard 1135th Engineer Company from September 2011 to September 2014. He is survived by his wife and three young sons.
SOUTH CAROLINA: January 9, 2020 - In honor of Officer Jackson R. Winkeler
Governor Henry McMaster orders that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, January 9, 2020, in tribute to Officer Jackson R. Winkeler of the Florence Regional Airport Department of Public Safety, who died in the line of duty. Governor McMaster requests that flags over buildings of the political subdivisions of this State similarly be flown at half-staff for this purpose.
TENNESSEE: January 8, 2020 - In honor of Master Patrol Officer Spencer Bristol
By order of the Governor, the flags over the State Capitol shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. This action is occurring in memory of Master Patrol Officer Spencer Bristol of the Hendersonville Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on December 30.
INDIANA: January 8, 2020 - In honor of former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Beutter
Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags in St. Joseph County to be flown at half-staff to honor former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Beutter. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral, Wednesday, January 8. Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents in St. Joseph County to lower their flags to half-staff on Wednesday to honor former Mayor Beutter and his service.
NEW JERSEY: January 9, 2020 - In honor of Sergeant 1st Class Michael Goble
Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Sergeant 1st Class Michael Goble.
Link to Executive Order >> shorturl.at/ckswU
MAINE: January 3, 2020 - In honor of Fire Chief Jeffrey Cammack
Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff this Friday, January 3, 2020, in the City of Bangor in honor of former Fire Chief Jeffrey Cammack. Services for Chief Cammack will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Anah Shriners, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401.
“Chief Cammack protected the health and safety of Maine people for more than thirty years with the Bangor Fire Department. Following his retirement, he continued to serve our State through the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association where he advocated for our first responders before the Legislature. His service represents the best of Maine and is a testament to the unmatched dedication of our first responders,” said Governor Janet Mills. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I express my deepest condolences to Chief Cammack’s loved ones, his fellow firefighters, and the people of Bangor as they grieve this loss.”
MARYLAND: December 31, 2019 - January 4, 2020 - In honor of Firefighter Otis L. Isaacs Jr.
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at sunset, Saturday, January 4, 2020, the day of interment of Otis L. Isaacs, Jr. of the North East Fire Company, who died in the line of duty on December 29, 2019.
