On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Snyder ordered all U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 9.
In addition, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, flags have also been ordered lowered to half-staff in observance of Patriot Day.
“It is with a heavy heart that we ask flags to be lowered in honor of a brave man who gave his life in service to others,” Snyder said in a press release. “We continue to keep Trooper Butterfield’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers.”
Butterfield, who was stationed out of the Hart Post, joined the state police in 1999 after graduating from the 118th Trooper Recruit School. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U. S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
