Nationwide Half-Staff Status : Full-Staff
Arizona State Half-Staff Status: Full-Staff

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HALF - STAFF ALERTS

NEW YORK : FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed flags to half-staff on all State government buildings in memory and honor of New York Police Department Detective Brian Simonsen, who was shot and killed yesterday responding to a robbery in Queens. Detective Simonsen was a resident of Calverton and served with the NYPD for 19 years. Flags will be flown at half-staff from Thursday, February 14 until interment.

"I am deeply saddened by the shooting of NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen," Governor Cuomo said. "This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks the brave men and women in law enforcement face every day to keep us safe. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my deepest sympathies to Detective Simonsen's loved ones and fellow members of the NYPD."

NORTH CAROLINA : FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered immediately to half-staff in tribute to Representative Walter Jones. Rep. Jones served eastern North Carolina's 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 20 years. He will be funeralized Thursday, February 14, 2019. Governor Cooper released the following statement on Sunday: "I am grateful for the life and service of my longtime friend Congressman Walter Jones Jr. He was a public servant who was true to his convictions and who will be missed."

WISCONSIN : FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Governor Tony Evers orders that the flag of the United State and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military institutions of the State of Wisconsin, beginning immediately and ending at sunset on the date of interment as a mark of respect for Officer Matthew Rittner of the Milwaukee Police Department. ​

GOVERNOR EVERS EXECUTIVE ORDER 8

NORTH CAROLINA : FEBRUARY 9, 2019

MEMORANDUM

To: Cabinet Secretaries; Council of State Members; Office of the UNC President; Administrative Office of the Courts; Office of Administrative Hearings; General Assembly; North Carolina Community College System; Governor's Mansion; Governor's Office

From: Secretary Machelle Sanders

Re: Honoring Principal Chief of the Meherrin Nation, Wayne Mackanear Brown

As we continue to honor the life of former Representative John David Dingell, Jr., please also join us as we pay tribute to the life and work of Principal Chief of the Meherrin Nation, Wayne Mackanear Brown. Chief Brown served as the Principal Chief until February 7, 2019. The Meherrin Nation is one of eight state-recognized tribes of American Indians in North Carolina and is located in Ahoskie and surrounding areas. Prior to his appointment as Chief in 2008, Brown served as operations manager and spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Flags should remain at half-staff now through sunset on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Flags are to return to full-staff on February 11, 2019 at sunrise.

ENTIRE UNITED STATES : IMMEDIATELY UNTIL SUNSET, FEBRUARY 9,2019

Presidential Proclamation on the Death of John David Dingell, Jr

Issued on : February 8, 2019

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As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of former Representative John David Dingell, Jr., of Michigan — the longest-serving Member of Congress in our Nation’s history — I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, February 9, 2019. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

VIRGINIA : FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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 Virginia State Police Trooper Lucas Dowell, of Smyth County, Virginia. I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, February 9, 2019, and remain at half-staff until sunset. Ordered on this, the 8th day of February, 2019.

MICHIGAN : FEBRUARY 8,2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, to honor the life and service of ‘The Dean’ of Congress, former Congressman John D. Dingell. Congressman Dingell dedicated his life to serving his country. He joined the Army when he was 18 years old and fought in World War II before serving 59 years in Congress to become the longest-serving Member of Congress in history. During his time in Congress, he was elected to serve as Chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. Congressman Dingell played a crucial role in passing some of the most monumental laws of the past century, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former Congressman John D. Dingell 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 two days after the Congressman’s interment.

SOUTH DAKOTA : FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Governor Kristi Noem today ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8am until sunset on Friday, February 8, 2019, to honor the life of former state legislator Carol Fitzgerald of Rapid City. Fitzgerald served in the State House of Representatives from 1993 to 2000. A memorial service for Fitzgerald will be held on Friday, February 8, at 11am at Rimrock Evangelical Free Church in Rapid City.

OHIO : FEBRUARY 4,2019

In honor of the life and service of Clermont County Sheriff's Detective Bill Brewer, Governor Mike DeWine orders that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Clermont County and at the Ohio Statehouse today and remain until sunset on the day of his interment.

NEW JERSEY : FEBRUARY 4, 2019

Please be advised that New Jersey Governor, Phillip D. Murphy, has ordered that the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, February 4, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a courageous and loyal American soldier, Private First Class Jamie R. Riley, who passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 53

WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class Jamie R. Riley was a longtime resident of Fair Haven, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, Private First Class Riley was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School; and WHEREAS, Private First Class Riley joined the United States Army in January 2018 and was most recently stationed at Fort Bliss, which is headquartered in El Paso, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Riley was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team; and

WHEREAS, in his time serving our country, Private First Class Riley earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Air Assault Badge; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Riley was a beloved son and brother, whose presence will be missed by his family, his friends, his fellow servicemembers, and by the people of New Jersey whom are grateful for his service; and

WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn Private First Class Riley’s sudden passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of Private First Class Riley, and to mark his passing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, 2 offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, February 4, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a courageous and loyal American soldier, Private First Class Jamie R. Riley.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately. GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 30th day of January, Two Thousand and Nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Forty-Third. Philip D. Murphy Governor Attest: Matthew J. Platkin Chief Counsel to the Governor

MICHIGAN : FEBRUARY 2, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, to honor the service of fallen Army Cpl. Cole Wixom and coincide with his military funeral. “The decision to join our armed services is the greatest act of patriotism a citizen can make,” Whitmer said. “Our state and our nation will forever be indebted to Cpl. Wixom as we owe our freedom to his courageous actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” A native of West Michigan, Cpl. Cole Wixom grew up in Bloomingdale, Michigan and graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 2013. He was stationed in western Texas at Fort Bliss and completed a tour in Afganistan.

On Jan. 22, 2019, Cpl. Cole Wixom was killed during a training exercise in Otero County, New Mexico. The crash involved two Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV) Strykers, an eight-wheeled, personnel carrier-infantry fighting vehicle used by the U.S. Army, on U.S. Route 54.

The state of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of all military personnel and remembers those who have given the ultimate sacrifice 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 Sunday, Feb 3, 2019.

FLORIDA : JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 1, 2019

In honor and remembrance of the victims of the act of violence committed in Sebring, Florida on January 23, 2019, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida. The flags shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff until sunset February 1, 2019.

Please see the below statement Governor Ron DeSantis issued on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 on the tragic shooting in Sebring, Florida: “This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring. In light of this tragic circumstance, I’ve directed FDLE to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.

I want to thank both the Sebring Police Department and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for their response and continued efforts during this tragedy.”

PENNSYLVANIA : JANUARY 21 - DAY OF INTERMENT

Governor Tom Wolf has ordered the Commonwealth flag on the Capitol Complex, at all Commonwealth facilities, and all public buildings and grounds throughout the commonwealth to fly at half-staff to honor former Senator Harris Wofford, who passed away Monday, January 21.

Governor Wolf’s full statement: “Frances and I send our deepest condolences to Senator Wofford’s husband, loved ones and friends. There’s no better way to describe Harris Wofford than ‘public servant.’ He dedicated his life to service and to making the world a better and more peaceful place. Senator Wofford, alone, is responsible for thousands upon thousands of Americans pursuing public service and volunteering in their communities and throughout the world.

“His legacy in Pennsylvania, the United States and the world is as impressive as it is diverse: A World War II Army veteran, a civil rights hero, an adviser to both President Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., a United States Senator, the president of Bryn Mawr College, and so much more. He was a tireless advocate for health care access, world peace, equal rights, and civic engagement. “I was fortunate to meet and work with then-Secretary of Labor and Industry Wofford during the Casey Administration. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I was always an admirer of his pivotal role in launching that important program. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met him and for the lessons he taught us all. “Harris represented the best of Pennsylvania and America – a selfless, empathetic, and optimistic citizen. We will be forever indebted for his service to us.”

The Commonwealth flag shall be lowered until interment. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

ALABAMA : IMMEDIATELY - JANUARY 20, 2019

From Governor Kay Ivey: ​

"I am directing all flags to be flown at Half-Staff as a mark of respect for Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter, who was killed in the line of duty early Sunday, January 13, 2019. Sergeant Carter laid down his life protecting the people of Birmingham, and the entire state of Alabama mourns this tremendous loss. Flags should be flown at Half-Staff until sunset, Sunday, January 20, 2019."

TEXAS : JANUARY 18, 2019

The Texas flag is at half-staff regionally in the City of Springtown and the County of Nueces. Please take note of the following action taken by the governor to immediately lower the Texas and US flags on the state capitol building and in Hansford County in honor of the life and military service of U.S. Army Sergeant Cameron A. Meddock of Amarillo died on Thursday, January 17, 2019, in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Flags should return to full-staff at sunset on Saturday, January 19, 2019.

ILLINOIS : JANUARY 16 - 18, 2019

United States and State flags at half-staff from Sunrise on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, until Sunset on Friday, January 18, 2019. The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of: Illinois State Police Trooper Christopher Lambert

ARIZONA : JANUARY 15, 2019

Governor Ducey has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 for the interment of Officer Clayton Townsend who died in the line of duty last week. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

IOWA : JANUARY 11 - 13, 2019

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all state flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, January 11th, 2019 until sunset on Sunday, January 13th, 2019 in honor and remembrance of firefighter Eric Hosette who died in the line of duty in Clinton, IA on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Read Gov. Reynolds’ statement on the passing of Eric Hosette below:

This past weekend in Clinton, we lost a courageous firefighter who served with valor and distinction. As a first responder, Eric put everything on the line to help his community. We will always remember his sacrifice and the outstanding example of service he left to all Iowans. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and community during this extremely difficult time.

Read Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg's statement on the passing of Eric Hosette below:

We are keeping the Hosette family as well as the entire Clinton community in our prayers during this very unfortunate time. While there is incredible sorrow for the loss of Eric Hosette, there will always be incredible gratitude for his service and that of firefighters across the state of Iowa.

MASSACHUSETTS : JANUARY 11,2019

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, January 11, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Sergeant First Class Eric Emond, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, who was killed in Afghanistan on November 27, 2018. SFC Emond will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

These gubernatorial orders apply to:

1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.

2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.

3. All state military installations.

ARIZONA : JANUARY 9, 2019

Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to honor the life of Salt River Police Department Officer Clayton Townsend, who died in the line of duty last night. Flags will also be lowered on the day of interment, which has not been set.

“Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Officer Clayton Townsend as well as to the men and women of the Salt River Police Department,” said Governor Ducey. “Arizona is grateful for his service and willingness to put himself in harm's way to keep others safe. In honor of Officer Townsend’s life and 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

INDIANA : JANUARY 7,2019

Indianapolis - Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags in Floyd County to be flown at half-staff to honor former state Rep. William Cochran.

Flags should be flow at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral Monday, January 7,2019.

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents in Floyd County to lower their flags to half-staff on MOnday to honor Cochran.

NEW JERSEY : JANUARY 7, 2019

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Albert Burstein was born Albert S. Burstein on November 22, 1922, in Jersey City and was a longtime resident of Tenafly; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein graduated from Columbia College and Columbia Law School and served in the United States Army during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein was named to the French Legion of Honor and received a Bronze Star for his bravery on the battlefield; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein served as executive director of and counsel to the Jersey City Charter Commission; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1971 and served there until January 1982; and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein was elected to serve as the Assembly Majority Leader following the 1976 election cycle; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein advanced many important causes during his time as a public servant, including legislation to reform New Jersey’s election and public financing laws and efforts to make the State’s school funding system more equitable; and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein chaired the New Jersey Election Law Revision Committee and the Law Revision Commission; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein co-founded and practiced law at Herten Burstein LLC, which merged with Archer PC in 2011; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law honored Assemblyman Burstein as “Lawyer of the Year” in 1999 and awarded him its Daniel J. O’Hern Professionalism Award in 2006; and WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein was known as a noteworthy jazz pianist and tennis player; and

WHEREAS, Assemblyman Burstein was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, whose presence will be missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and by the people of New Jersey whom he served well; and WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn Assemblyman Burstein’s passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of Assemblyman Albert Burstein, and to mark his passing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, January 7, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a committed public servant, Assemblyman Albert S. Burstein.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

WISCONSIN : JANUARY 6, 2019

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin Be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Captain Christopher Truman of the Lake Mills Fire Department:

WHEREAS, on December 31, 2018, Captain Christopher Truman of the Lake Mills Fire Department died while selflessly assisting a driver of a crashed vehicle on Highway 12 near the Yahara River Bridge in Monona, Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, Captain Christopher Truman was a member and volunteer of the Lake Mills Fire Department for thirteen years; and

WHEREAS, Captain Christopher Truman responded to a citizen in need while off duty on December 31, 2018, reflecting and exemplifying a life dedicated to protecting and serving the people of Lake Mills and Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, Captain Christopher Truman leaves behind an honorable legacy of service, and the people of Wisconsin mourn his death; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Captain Christopher Truman on Sunday,January 6, 2019;

NOW THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of this State, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin, beginning at sunrise on Sunday, January 6, 2019, and ending at sunset on that date.

WASHINGTON : JANUARY 5,2019

Flag Lowering - 1/5/19 (Capt. Ostergard) Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of East Olympia Volunteer Fire Captain John Ostergard, 63, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Captain Ostergard suffered a medical emergency while on the scene of a December 14 structure fire south of Yelm.

The Governor's Office has no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, January 4, 2019. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, January 5, or first thing Monday morning, January 7. Please notify your staff and all of your field offices and facilities around the state. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on January 5 at the Mountain View Church of the Nazarene, 940 Israel Road SW in Tumwater. The service is open to the public and is full line-of-duty honors.

MASSACHUSETTS : JANUARY 4, 2019

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Friday, January 4, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of 1st Lieutenant Allan Turner -- reported missing on July 17, 1945 and officially presumed dead on July 18, 1946 from the vicinity of Bishmaknagar Village, State of Arunachal Pradesh, Republic of India. Lieutenant Turner will be laid to rest in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. These gubernatorial orders apply to:

1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.

2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.

3. All state military installations.

WISCONSIN : JANUARY 4, 2019

Governor Scott Walker today ordered flags to half-staff on Friday, January 4, 2019, as a mark of respect for former State Senator Walter John Chilsen of Weston. Chilsen, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, passed away on Christmas morning at the age of 95.

Chilsen represented the people of the 29th Senate District for six terms from 1967 - 1990. Following his service in the Wisconsin State Senate, Chilsen served on the Weston Town Board from 1990 - 2017. In accordance with the Order, please ensure that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin are flown at half-staff at all state facilities beginning at sunrise on January 4, 2019, and ending at sunset on that date.

NEW YORK : JANUARY 2, 2019

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, a Fort Drum soldier who died in Afghanistan on Dec. 13.

Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, 19, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and was from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky's family and loved ones," Governor Cuomo said. "We are saddened by his loss and join them and his fellow soldiers in honoring his service to our nation."

Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to New York service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone. Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of President George H. W. Bush and will be lowered again on Monday, Dec. 31 in honor of Major James M. Brophy of Dutchess County and other Marines killed in an air collision earlier this month. Flags will be lowered on Wednesday, January 2, following the New Year's Day holiday, in honor of Pfc. Mikeasky.

KENTUCKY : JANUARY 1, 2019

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 31, 2018) - Gov. Matt Bevin has proclaimed that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, from sunrise to sunset, as a mark of respect for fallen Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Detective Deidre "Dee Dee" Mengedoht.

"Today, many from throughout Kentucky and across America attended a memorial service to pay respects to Detective Mengedoht and her family," said Gov. Bevin. "It was a sobering reminder of the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers make every day as they protect and serve the rest of us. For this reason, it is fitting to pay tribute on the first day of the New Year, to the life and selfless service of this fallen officer.

"There is truly no greater sacrifice than that of a person willing to lay down their life for others. Detective Mengedoht embodied the very best characteristics of our society, and we ask the Commonwealth to join us in honoring her life and line-of-duty death, by lowering all flags to half-staff on New Year's Day 2019." Detective Mengedoht was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 24, while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 64 in downtown Louisville.

Gov. Bevin encourages all Kentuckians, businesses, organizations, and government agencies to join this show of support for Detective Mengedoht's family and the Louisville Metro community. KRS 2.041 grants the Governor authority to issue a proclamation calling upon state officials to display U.S. flags at half-staff on all buildings, for not less than one day, in the event of the death of Kentucky emergency response personnel in the line of duty.