Flags Across Iowa Flying At Half-Staff To Honor Police Officers

Flags across Iowa are flying at half-staff today to honor the service and ultimate sacrifice of police officers across the state.

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to be lowered until sunset in observance of Peace Officer Memorial Day in Iowa.

“Across Iowa’s 99 counties, our law enforcement officers are unflinching protectors who approach the unknown with every traffic stop, night patrol, or undercover operation,” Gov. Reynolds said in a press release. “Their courageous service reminds us that behind every badge is a brave and generous heart. Today serves as another reminder of the heroic sacrifice of the men and women in blue as well as the family members who selflessly share their heroes with our grateful state.”

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg joined other state leaders, law enforcement partners, and families to honor and pay tribute to fallen peace officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving. A 10 AM ceremony was held outside the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, where two fallen officers were honored and their names added to the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial.

The honorees included the following:

• Stephanie J. Schreurs - Lyon County sheriff's deputy. She died on Aug. 13, 2019, four days after being injured in a single-vehicle, rollover accident involving her patrol car near Rock Rapids.
• Special Officer John H. Bousman - Chicago and North Western Railway. Bousman died on Aug. 10, 1922, when he was struck by a train bridge across the Mississippi River between Clinton and Illinois.

National Police Week begins Sunday, May 9, and continues through Saturday, May 15.