Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the Lorain police officer shot and killed in an ambush.
To recognize the life and service of Lorain officer Phillip Wagner, U.S. and Ohio flags will be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in Lorain County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, according to DeWine’s order. This order will remain in effect until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly U.S. and Ohio flags at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
Three Lorain police officers shot in ambush, one dies
Wagner, 35, was shot multiple times in the ambush on July 23. Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing confirmed Wagner’s death on July 24.
Wagner, along with officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne, were shot when they stopped for lunch and encountered Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain, the Beacon Journal previously reported. Parker began shooting at the officers with a rifle, injuring all three. Parker was shot dead at the scene.
According to Beacon Journal news partner News 5 Cleveland, Payne remains in serious condition. Gale is recovering after being shot in the hand.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
The American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning, according to USA.gov. Flags can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia. In most cases, flying the flag at half-staff marks a significant death, such as a government official or military member; a national tragedy or a national day of remembrance, such as Patriot Day or Memorial Day.
What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast?
Half-staff refers to flags on land. Flags are flown at half-mast on nautical vessels, such as a naval ship. But the purpose is the same for both.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: DeWine orders flags to half-staff for Lorain police officer shot and killed in ambush
Reporting by Chad Murphy, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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