Why are flags at half-mast today Arizona 2022?

Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at half staff at all state buildings Wednesday, June 29, in honor of Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Richard Lopez, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Tuesday, June 28.

Sgt. Lopez was responding to a theft call in a Cordes Lakes neighborhood when the suspect fired at him. The sergeant was flown to Phoenix for emergency surgery, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.

“Arizona mourns Sgt. Richard Lopez, a man who answered the call of duty to protect and serve his community,” Ducey said. “This needless violence is truly terrible. Arizona will always stand with our brave law enforcement. Sgt. Lopez was an incredible community servant whose life was cut too short by a senseless act of lawlessness. Our prayers are with Sgt. Lopez’s wife and children, friends and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office colleagues. In his honor, all state flags will be lowered to half-staff Friday, July 1.”

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

HOTSHOTS

Ducey also ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday, June 30, in honor of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives protecting fellow Arizonans from the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013.

The governor released the following statement: “Nine years ago, Arizona witnessed one of the most tragic wildfires in our state’s history. Nineteen brave firefighters lost their lives in a valiant effort to protect our communities. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“The heroic Yarnell 19 knew the dangers of the job, and yet still put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others and abide by their duty and commitment to our state. Today we remember them, and send our thoughts and prayers to their families and loved ones who cared about them deeply.

"We also honor the firefighters today who are fighting wildfires across the state. We are grateful for the bravery you put on display every day to defend the lives of Arizonans.”

The Granite Mountain Hotshots were the only municipal team in the nation. They were based in Prescott.

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

To read stories related to the Hotshots, click HERE.

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(Twitter Photo/@9thFloorAZ)

(Twitter Photo/@9thFloorAZ)

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered all flags at state buildings to be at half-staff Friday due to the lives lost in a shooting in Tucson on Thursday, according to a press release.

Four people were killed in an apartment complex, including Pima County Constable Deborah Martinez.

Martinez was serving an eviction notice when the shooting occurred but details are unknown.

“The loss of Constable Deborah Martinez is felt across our state,” Ducey said in the release. “Whether it was serving in the U.S. Army or carrying out her duties as a constable for Pima County, she dedicated her life to helping others and her community.

“Constable Martinez was a Tucson native who will be remembered for the way she treated others with dignity and respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, as well as those who also lost their lives in today’s tragic events.”

Martinez became the constable for Justice Precinct 8 just earlier this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Governor Doug Ducey today ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, September 13, in honor of former state Representative and State Mine Inspector Joe Hart, who died Sunday.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of former Arizona Representative and State Mine Inspector Joe Hart,” said Governor Ducey. “A pillar of state government, he was a dedicated advocate for the mining industry and played a critical role in overseeing the safety at Arizona’s mines. A lifelong Kingman resident, Inspector Hart proudly served the people of Arizona for decades. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

Inspector Hart was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives for nine years from 1992 to 2001, serving as speaker pro-tem and chairman of several committees. He was elected in 2006 as state mine inspector for Arizona and served for 15 years. Arizona is the only state that elects a statewide mine inspector.

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​​

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ENTIRE UNITED STATES - September 11, 2022 - Patriot Day

By a joint resolution approved on December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89) has designated Sept. 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," which also directs the flags be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on Sept. 11.

~ Presidential Proclamation will be posted as soon as it is available ~

ENTIRE UNITED STATES - September 8, 2022 Through Interment

A Proclamation on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II SEPTEMBER 08, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.

In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order 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, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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