September 13, 2017                                                                                

Governor Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Police Officer William Mathews

ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Police Officer William Mathews, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Thursday, September 14, 2017.

Police Officer Mathews was 47-years-old and a seven-year veteran of the Wayzata, Minnesota Police Department. Officer Mathews was a native of Pine Island, Minnesota. Prior to becoming a licensed Peace Officer, Officer Mathews served with both the Winona Police Department as a Reserve Officer and the Rochester Police Department as an intern. He began his career as a Licensed Peace Officer in 1998 with the Zumbrota Police Department, also working part-time with the Olmstead County and Goodhue County Sheriff’s Offices.

Officer Mathews died on Friday, September 8, 2017, after being struck by car, while in the line of duty. The State of Minnesota recognizes Officer William Mathews for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans with its deepest gratitude.

A celebration of William’s life, with full police honors, will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Wayzata Free Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, followed by interment at Summit Park Cemetery. Governor Dayton will attend the service for Officer Mathews.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota police officers killed in the line of duty, on the day of interment. A copy of Governor Dayton’s proclamation, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff across our state, can be found here.

Flags at Half-Staff In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton may order the state flag to be flown at half-staff under very limited circumstances. He may also order the national flag to be flown at half-staff on state property only. A state flag on state property is required by law to be flown at half-staff if the national flag is flown at half-staff.

                           Office of Governor Mark Dayton •  www.mn.gov/governor