Sanders orders flags to half-staff to mourn the lives lost in the Fordyce shooting

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS: 

WHEREAS:    On the morning of Friday, June 21, 2024, a lone gunman opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, injuring eight civilians and two law enforcement officers, and killing four;

WHEREAS:    The deceased Arkansans range in age between 23 and 81. They were loved by their families and by the Fordyce community. Their loss is a tragedy for the entire State of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:    The injured victims range in age between 20 and 65. Many of those at the grocery store hid in the store’s freezer to escape the gunman. Arkansans at the Mad Butcher risked their lives to help others during the shooting, showing the courage and compassion of our people. They assisted each other during the shooting and after, helping those who had sustained injuries get aid;  

WHEREAS:     Law enforcement responded to the scene of the crime within minutes and distracted the shooter, putting their own lives in harm’s way and preventing further tragedy before apprehending him. Two officers were injured;

WHEREAS:    This tragedy has hit the small, close-knit town of Fordyce hard. Neighbors, friends, and family have come together to comfort each other in the wake of this event and offer prayer and a helping hand to anyone in need, and;

WHEREAS:    Arkansans are praying for the town of Fordyce, the families of the victims, and all impacted by this senseless tragedy, and the State will continue to provide aid and resources to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff throughout the State from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 28, 2024, one week after the tragedy, in memory of the lives lost. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 24th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2024.

Sanders Orders Flags to Half-Staff on July 14, 2023

WHEREAS: Charles L. Daniels, born December 7, 1939, near El Dorado, Arkansas, held the offices of Secretary of State, Commissioner of State Lands, and Auditor in service to the State of Arkansas. Daniels passed away on July 9, 2023, deeply loved by his family, friends, and colleagues, and known as a beloved public servant of the people of Arkansas;

WHEREAS: Daniels began his career in public service in the United States Air Force, serving four years of active duty and fifteen in the Air Force Reserves. He attended Southern Arkansas University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before becoming an electrician at Arkansas Power and Light Company;

WHEREAS: Daniels entered public office in 1972 upon his election to the Parker’s Chapel School Board. Governor David Pryor then appointed Daniels as Director of the Arkansas Department of Labor. Daniels served in this position into the administration of the next Governor, Bill Clinton;

WHEREAS: Daniels was elected as Commissioner of State Lands in 1984 and served in that position for eighteen years. He was then elected Secretary of State in 2003 and served in that position until 2011. He completed four decades of elected public service as Arkansas State Auditor; and

WHEREAS: Daniels leaves behind a long legacy marked by generosity, humor, and humility. It is fitting and right for Arkansas to honor him and his decades of service to the people of Arkansas.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, in tribute to the memory of Charlie L. Daniels and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 14, 2023.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 12th day of July, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Sgt. J.L. “Buck” Dancy

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of North Little Rock Police Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy, 62, who died in the line of duty on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The flag will fly at half-staff from today until sunset Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the day of his interment.

Governor Hutchinson released this statement:  

“I was sad to learn of the death of Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy. He spent 35 years protecting the people of North Little Rock. He worked in many divisions in the North Little Rock Police Department.  Chief Tracy Roulston says that Sergeant Dancy was the rock of the investigative division. He wasn’t shy about his faith in God, and his faith guided his life. He was a father figure and a mentor to younger officers. His death is a great loss to the department and to the city. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and his fellow officers.”

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

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Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly At Half-Staff in Memory of Officer Travis Wallace

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the Arkansas flag to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Officer Travis Wallace, a Helena-West Helena police officer who was killed in the line of duty last night. The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment.   

Governor Hutchinson released this statement:  

“I was heartsick to hear that we have lost another police officer in the line of duty. Helena-West Helena Officer Travis Wallace was shot and killed as he pursued a suspect in a violent crime. Officer Wallace’s death is a tragic reminder that our police officers risk their lives with every encounter and every traffic stop. In his 10-year career as an officer, Travis risked his life for hundreds of people. Let us honor his memory by renewing our respect and support for all officers. I offer my condolences to Officer Wallace’s family and his fellow officers.”

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

If you would like to be notified when Governor Hutchinson orders the Arkansas and the United States flags to be lowered to half-staff, sign up for Citizens Alerts.