HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — 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 Wednesday, May 15, 2019, to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day during Police Week and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Today is a day to remember the sacrifices that law enforcement make every day,” Whitmer said. “As a prosecutor, I saw the great work these men and women do to protect and serve. They are on the front lines keeping our communities safe, and I am grateful for their service.”
Peace Officers Memorial Day falls within National Police Week, which was established by Congress in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and is observed from Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18 of this year.
This year, Peace Officer Memorial Day recognizes three Michigan police officers killed in the line of duty in 2018:
- Officer Glenn Anthony Doss, Jr. – Jan. 28, 2018
- Officer Darren Maurice Weather – Feb. 13, 2018
- Officer Fadi Mukhlis Shukur – Aug. 14, 2018
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of law enforcement 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 Thursday, May 16, 2019.
