Honor of Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett
TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed Executive Order No. 11, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in recognition and in mourning of Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett. Howard Bennett passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while conducting maintenance on a fire boat at Wiggins Park Marina on the Delaware River in Camden. He was a member of the Camden Fire Department assigned to Engine 1 and Fire Boat 1, serving for nearly 27 years.
“Howard Bennett was a devoted husband, father, brother, and public servant,” said Governor Sherrill. “He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We are heartbroken by his passing and honor his legacy of service.”
For a copy of Executive Order No. 11, click here.
Sergent First Class Trooper Sean William Acker
Governor Sherrill has issued Executive Order No. 10 ordering the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal New Jersey hero, Sergent First Class Trooper Sean William Acker.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
Honoring Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton
Gov. Mike Braun Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, who died on Tuesday, February 3. Representative Hamilton served Indiana’s 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999.
“Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers.” – Governor Mike Braun
Governor Braun has ordered flags to be lowered statewide at all state facilities immediately until sunset on the day of his internment, which will be shared once public.
Governor Braun encourages all Hoosiers to help honor Hamilton by lowering flags to half-staff at their homes and businesses.
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Honoring Two DPS Crewmembers of Flagstaff Helicopter Crash
Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey were called to act as air support in an active-shooter incident in Flagstaff. Bennett had served DPS since 2022 and is survived by his wife. Skankey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served DPS since 2021 and is survived by his wife and four children.
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:
“Arizona owes immense gratitude to DPS State Trooper-Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and DPS Pilot Air Rescue Aviation Supervisor Robert B. Skankey, whom we tragically lost this week. When they were called upon to help protect the Flagstaff community, they arrived without hesitation. This is a devastating loss for Arizona and for the aviation and law enforcement community. I’m sending my deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
For more information on half-staff orders in Arizona or to sign up for notifications, visit az.gov/half-staff-notices.
Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer
Today, the flags of the US and the State of Louisiana fly at half-staff in honor of Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Chris was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother. He exemplified courage and commitment in everything he did. Please join Sharon and me in praying for the Ohlmeyer family during this time. Chris will never be forgotten.
Honoring Richard Carlson
Jan 17th through (to be determined).
Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags be flown at half-staff in Pottawatomie, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties from sunup to sundown on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in honor of former Kansas State Representative and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson.
“Richard Carlson had a long career of public service, from his time serving in the Kansas Army National Guard to the Kansas Legislature and the Kansas Department of Transportation,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My condolences go out to his friends, family, and former colleagues.”
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/404c738
Honoring Former Mayor Evora Wheeler
Jan 17th through (to be determined).
Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags be flown at half-staff in Lyon County, Kansas, from sunup to sundown on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in honor of former Mayor Evora Wheeler.
"For decades, Evora Wheeler was a committed leader in Emporia, from her time serving as mayor to her extensive community engagement," Governor Laura Kelly said. "My condolences go out to her loved ones and the community during this difficult time."
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/40497af
Honoring Former Attorney General Mark Brnovich
Jan 14th through (to be determined).
Flags should be lowered Jan. 14.
*HALF-STAFF NOTIFICATION*
Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. He served for two terms as Arizona attorney general and also served as the director of the state Department of Gaming as well as a federal and Maricopa County prosecutor.
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.
To sign up for half-staff notifications, join our distribution list here ( https://az.gov/half-staff-notices ).
Congressman Doug LaMalfa
In honor of the late, GREAT, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a true American Patriot and fantastic Representative of Northern California, yesterday I ordered all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until this evening. Doug will be dearly missed!
From President Trump posted on Truth Social, January 7, 2026.
Sergeant Michael L. Piro
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of retired New York State Police Sergeant Michael L. Piro.
“A distinguished member of the New York State Police, Sergeant Piro, stepped up to serve and protect his fellow New Yorkers when it was needed most,” Governor Hochul said. “I am profoundly grateful for Sergeant Piro and his dedication to keeping New York safe, and I join his family, colleagues, and community in honoring his life and service, and send my deepest condolences to those whose lives he touched.”
On January 6, Sergeant Piro passed away from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 terrorist attack. He had retired after 30 years of dedicated service with the New York State Police on March 26, 2015.
Sergeant Piro is survived by his four children, and preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia.