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Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace offices who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.As a tribute to the 14,500 sworn peace officers and 6,500 correctional officers in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, May 15, 2019for National Peace Officers Memorial Day. "Our peace officers choose a life and career of service and they are heroes in every sense of the word. They wake up every day, put on the uniform and badge and put themselves in harm’s way so that others might live in comfort and safety,” said Governor Ducey. “Arizona is grateful for these men and women in uniform who protect our communities and we come together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
- Holiday05/14/2019
Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, to honor the life of two United States Marine pilots, Major Matthew M. Wiegand and Captain Travis W. Brannon, who were killed in a helicopter crash during a training mission in Yuma, Arizona on Saturday. Flags will also be lowered on the day of interment, which has not been set.
“Arizona mourns the tragic loss of these two Marine Corps pilots,” said Governor Ducey. “Major Wiegand and Captain Brannon served our country honorably. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to put on the uniform and put their lives on the line in order to keep our country safe. Our prayers are with their family and loved ones and the entire Marine community in Yuma during this time.”
- Announcement04/01/2019
Governor Ducey has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 16, 2019 for the interment of Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores who died in a midair collision involving a Marine refueling aircraft and a fighter jet off the coast of Japan in December.Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
- Interment03/15/2019
Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Friday, March 22, 2019, to honor the life of Phoenix Police Department Officer Paul Rutherford, who died in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle. Flags will also be lowered on the day of interment, which has not been set.
“Arizona’s deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Phoenix Police Officer Paul Rutherford,” said Governor Ducey. “This tragic incident provides yet another example of the dangers faced by law enforcement every day to keep us and our communities safe. Our prayers are with the Phoenix Police Department family and the entire law enforcement community as Arizona mourns this loss.”
- Announcement03/21/2019
In coordination with the Presidential proclamation, Governor Ducey has ordered flags at all state buildings remain at half-staff until sunset Sunday, December 30, 2018, to honor the life of President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, who passed away on Friday, Nov 30 at the age of 94.
Governor Doug Ducey released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush:
“Arizona and America mourn the loss this morning of President George H.W. Bush.
“Through his life of service, President Bush, #41, made America a better nation, from World War II to the White House.
“He brought experienced, principled leadership to the presidency. His significant foreign policy achievements include helping bring an end to the Cold War and freedom to Eastern Europe, leading the coalition that turned back Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, and ushering in new agreements for the reduction of nuclear weapons. It can undoubtedly be said that his time in office saw the world become a safer, more stable place.
“Before being elected president, President Bush had lived a full life of devoted service to our nation that included serving as vice president, CIA director, a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and as a decorated Navy pilot in World War II. He continued to serve after leaving office, taking on the role of an American ambassador of goodwill during times of need. His compassion, sense of humor and love for our nation are qualities Americans of all ages enjoyed in the years following his presidency.
“Among his many accomplishments, President Bush will also be remembered as the last World War II veteran to serve as president.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to George H.W. Bush – a president, a veteran, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather -- an American patriot.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
- Announcement11/30/2018 to 12/29/2018