Flags at Half-Staff in Arizona Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff on September 26th and 27th to honor the sacrifices of two fallen Arizona law enforcement officers: Sergeant Clayton Kulikowski and Officer David Thompson. The governor also encourages individuals, organizations, and businesses throughout the state to participate in this tribute.
Kulikowski’s burial is scheduled for September 26th, and Thompson’s funeral will be held the following day.
The practice of flying flags at half-staff – or half-mast when flown from ships – is a sign of respect and mourning.
In the United States, flags are flown at half-staff on specific holidays and in response to certain events, including:
* Memorial Day (until noon, then raised to full staff)
* Peace Officers Memorial Day (unless it falls on Armed forces Day)
* Patriot Day
* National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
* National Firefighters Memorial Day
U.S.presidents and governors can also order flags lowered to half-staff. According to the Arizona state website,flags are flown at half-staff for:
* 30 days following the death of a president or former president.
* 10 days after the death of the vice president, Chief Justice of the United States (or retired chief Justice), or Speaker of the House.
* From the date of death until the interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state.
* The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress.
Arizona’s governor can also order the lowering of the U.S. and state flags on the death of a notable present or former government official or member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty. The state flag can also be lowered on the death of an incumbent elected state officer for seven days beginning the day after their passing.
